Omaha Magazine - September 2019 - Hotel Edition

STRAIGHT TO THE HEART // SERVICE WITH A PURPOSE // BRIAN DUENSING FOUNDATION // CHEF ROBERT WILSON

SEPTEMBER 2019

Hotel Edition

HAMILTON

@ Orpheum Theater in conjunction with THE

OMAHA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

TAB L E of CON T E N T S

T HE 2018 GRE AT PL AINS J O UR N A L IS M AWA R D S

MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

THE USUAL SUSPECTS 001 From the Editor

Making a Difference

004 Between the Lines 006 Calendar of Events 121 Instagram 149 Explore!

A R T S + C U LT U R E 014 Music

Larry Dunn (Lash LaRue)

018 Visual

Ang Bennett

020 Performance

130

Chantal Pavageaux

124 Visual

Richard Chung

PEOPLE 022 Sports

Brian Duensing

122 People

The Rev. Debra McKnight

DINING 128 Chef Profile

Robert Wilson

130 Review

The Fred & Pamela Buffett Center Restaurant

136 Feature

Table Grace

139 Dining Guide

018

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SEPTEMBER 2019

014

465 trees have been reforested

due to the printing of our last round of publications.

Learn more at printreleaf.com

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*Note: the hotel edition of Omaha Magazine has a different cover, and it does not include all of the editorial content featured in the magazine’s full city edition. Subscribe to the full magazine at omahamagazine.com/subscribe.

FROM THE EDITOR // LETTER BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN, MANAGING EDITOR

MAKING A DIFFERENCE CLEANING A MESSY CLOSET MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE. This July, my husband wanted to organize some family photos sitting in a closet that had become a dumping ground. On the Saturday after the Fourth of July, he organized the photos, but we also reorganized the closet. That started a cleaning spree that has led to us gathering clothes, books, dishes, knickknacks, and other assorted items we do not use or do not want any more.

We have also been keeping track of the monetary amounts, as eventually this stuff may end up at a charity shop such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Thus far, we have estimated that we have a few thousand dollars worth of stuff, and all it took was a couple of days of cleaning out closets. It’s a feel-good project that anyone can (and probably should) do that will eventually help those in need.

Welcome to the Big Give—Omaha Magazine’s annual special section about charitable giving. This year, we have created an entire magazine around the idea of giving, and we have many great articles for you.

Our main article, “We Built This City,” looks at the ways Omahans have traditionally given to charity, and goes a bit into what is happening with the new generation of philanthropists.

We also bring you an article about multi-impact organizations such as SHARE Omaha and Omaha Community Foundation.

What at first seems like competing organizations actually are a network of organizations that work together toward a common goal of impacting the entire city.

Another feature article in this magazine is one about the floods, which impacted many people in the area. I know at least two people from the Fremont area who had to stay with relatives this spring when the floods hit, and at least one good friend has lost her home due to the flooding in Pacific Junction, Iowa. This feature looks at the volunteer fire departments of Waterloo and Valley, which spent hours upon hours helping citizens evacuate their respective cities this past spring.

September is a big month for charity in Omaha. Our Giving Calendar of Events features more than 50 events you can attend.

One of those events, the Ak-Sar-Ben ball, has been in existence for 124 years and highlights over 100 families who have given to charity through the years. We bring you the names and images of the young Pages who will represent their families at this year’s ball.

We have some great Arts and Culture stories for you this month. Musician Larry Dunn (Lash LaRue) donates his time and energy to his organization Toy Drive for Pine Ridge, which helps provide toys for kids on Pine Ridge Reservation.

Chantal Pavageaux uses her performance skills to help with the SEPTEMBER

In[HEIR]itance Project, an organization creating original theater based on interpretations of sacred texts. Visual artist Ang Bennett has donated hours to a variety of organizations, from Habitat to Humanity to Lutheran Family Services. Another visual artist, Richard Chung, is an active member of the Kent Bellows Mentoring Program and WhyArts.

In our dining section, we spotlight Chef Robert Wilson of Stephen Center, Table Grace Ministry, and the restaurant at the Buffett Cancer Center.

Our history article brings you the story of several leaders at Mutual of Omaha, from the Crisses to the Skutts, who have given millions to charity during their tenures. This has led to the creation of the Mutual of Omaha Foundation.

And we spotlight several people who give time and energy to this city and great causes within it. Shawn Davis has given an outstanding number of hours to community service, working with the Henry Doorly Zoo, the R Pantry at Ralston High School, and many other places.

The Rev. Debra McKnight has a long history of service. Her church, Urban Abbey, is an independent church with Methodist roots. Her love of God and service has led her to create a religious community in the face of resistance, from being open to the LGBTQ community, and as a woman in church leadership.

MLB pitcher Brian Duensing has aligned himself with several childhood cancer causes, and given thousands of dollars over the past few years to helping cure or eradicate these cancers. He lends his name, and sometimes his chest, to raising money.

Omaha’s future philanthropists are already giving what they can to charities, whether that is time or money. Our Obviously Omaha section highlights some organizations that include a Young Professionals Group—from the long-standing Omaha Jaycees to the Urban League of Nebraska.

One article that you will not see in this edition: “Not Funny.”

Columnist Otis Twelve has been recovering from surgery, but will be back next round with more insights. We wish him well in recovery. We also wish our friend and former intern Will Patterson well. Will recently graduated from UNO and is headed for Hong Kong for graduate school.

Although the people highlighted in this magazine frequently give big amounts of time or money, you do not have to.

Charitable work can be as easy as cleaning out a closet. I hope this issue inspires you to help others, whether that means donating books to Friends of the Public Library so the library can continue to grow or chairing a committee for a large event to help cure ailments.

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2019

Between A LOOK AT FOUR OMAHA MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS CHRIS HATCH—Contributing Writer Chris Hatch is a Nebraska native, freelance journalist, and person who cares a little too much about Husker sports. When he’s not smashing his fingers into computer keys, trying to turn word sparks into wildfire, he’s chasing his 7-year-old’s bike down the street or having “Baby Shark” dance parties with his 2 ½ year old daughter. A proud Lincolnite who looks back fondly on his time in Omaha, Chris can often be found cracking open a bottle of cheap red wine with his wife and watching true crime TV shows late into the night.

JANE GLAZER—Editorial Intern Jane Glazer was born and raised in Omaha. She is majoring in journalism and communication, and minoring in psychology, at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. Her favorite spot in Omaha is Midtown, where she enjoys spending summer nights outside. She loves writing, hiking, traveling, rewatching New Girl, and spending time with friends and family. As a rising sophomore, she is still unsure where she wants to be post-graduation, but hopes to be able to share important, interesting stories.

JOSHUA PETERSON—Operations Officer Joshua Peterson’s main job is being a father and husband. He considers himself amazing at both; however, his children and wife are less than impressed with his work ethic. As a family they enjoy goofing around, riding bikes, reading, and meals that dad doesn’t want to cook so they can eat out. At Omaha Magazine Josh does his best to fix or Band-Aid any problems that arise and tries to build a more efficient future. In his spare time, Josh is a volunteer firefighter/paramedic for the Bennington Volunteer Fire Department and participates in adult PE (CrossFit). His idea of a dream day is sitting in a garage in the fall just before kickoff with M&D and blue yummies. Josh also credits himself with starting the phrase “Living the Dream” and selfies.

SCOTT STEWART—Contributing Writer Scott Stewart grew up being told not to go into fiction writing, so he’s a nonfiction writer instead, at least until he decides what to be when he grows up. Scott has worked as a reporter and editor at several metro-area newspapers, and he’s currently the local news editor of The Daily Record.

He’s a military brat who likes punk rock, museums, and traveling, and he went vegetarian before it was cool. Scott was an overachiever at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in philosophy, mathematics, and computer science. He’s marrying his best friend in October, and you can find them complaining about North Dakota, Nebraska, and Creighton fans at UNO hockey games.

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SEPTEMBER 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019 VOLUME 37 // ISSUE 5

EDITORIAL Managing Editor

DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Senior Editor

TARA SPENCER Editorial Interns

SAMANTHA WEIDEMAN · JANE GLAZER Contributing Writers

J.D. AVANT · CHRIS HATCH · GREG JERRETT · EMILY KERR ANDREA KSZYSTYNIAK · JEFF LACEY · SARA LOCKE · LISA LUKECART PATRICK MAINELLI · SEAN MCCARTHY · WILL PATTERSON NIZ PROSKOCIL · LIZ STEVENS · SCOTT STEWART · TIM TRUDELL ANNE WALSH · JOSEFINA LOZA WELLS · JUSTINE YOUNG

CREATIVE Creative Director

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

Senior Graphic Designer

BEST FAMILY DENTIST

MATT WIECZOREK

12 YEARS IN A ROW!

DEREK JOY

Graphic Designer II

MADY BESCH

Contributing Photographers

KEITH BINDER · COLIN CONCES · SCOTT DRICKEY WILLIAM HESS · MIKE McCOLGAN · SARAH LEMKE Contributing Videographers

CHRISTOPHER MARSHALL · JEREMY WADE RODMAN JOE PANKOWSKI

SALES Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing

GIL COHEN

Senior Branding Specialist

MARY HIATT

Senior Sales Executive & 60PLUS in Omaha Contributing Editor

GWEN LEMKE

Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Contributing Editor

SANDY MATSON

Senior Sales Coordinator

ALICIA HOLLINS

Branding Specialists

DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN Digital Sales Manager

JILLIAN DUNN

Marketing Intern

LAUREN FABER

OPERATIONS Operations Officer & Local Stubs Ticketing Representative

JOSHUA PETERSON

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SEPTEMBER 2019

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PRODUCE, CONSUME, DISCARD

Through Oct. 4 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. Fiber artist Sarah Kolar uses deconstructed T-shirt remnants to resemble the process involved in knitting a shirt and encourages viewers to contemplate the laborious efforts that go into making their personal belongings. Admission: free. 402.595.2122.

—artscouncil.nebraska.gov

3 FROM NEBRASKA: KINGMAN—DUNBIER—GILDER

Th rough Oc.13 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. Th is exhibit features the work of three 20th-century Nebraska artists, Eugene Kingman, Augustus Dunbier, and Robert Gilder. Admission: free. 402.305.1510.

—gallery1516.org

UNDESIGN THE REDLINE

Th rough Dec. 21 at The Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St. This is an interactive exhibit, workshop series, and curriculum exploring the foundations of structural racism and the lingering effects of Redlining in Omaha. It is facilitated by the New York-based organization, designing the WE. —u.ca.org

EVENTS

» Exhibitions « ATTIC ADVENTURES

Th rough Sept. 1 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Offering learning opportunities for children in a hands-on, interactive environment, this event will include a scavenger hunt, climbing wall, and more.

Admission: $13 adults and children 3 and older, $12 seniors (ages 60+), free to members and children 2 and younger. 402.342.6164.

—ocm.com

ENCHANTED KINGDOM

Th rough Sept. 1 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. With programs such as Unicorn Tales and Don’t Poke the Dragon, this exhibit has magic to experience and many areas to explore. Admission: $13 adults and children 3 and older, $12 seniors (ages 60+), free for members and children 2 and younger. 402.343.6164.

—ocm.org

HUIPILES - INDIGENOUS TEXTILES FROM GUATEMALA

Th rough October 26 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. Huipiles are traditional indigenous women’s blouses and dresses. The Huipiles on display are from various regions in Guatemala showing select villages’ distinctive style and symbolism. Visitors are presented with traditional weaving techniques and images of Maya symbolism. Admission: free. 402-731-1137.

— elmuseolatino.org

TYRANNOSAURS: MEET THE FAMILY

Through Sept. 1 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. What has 60 razor-sharp teeth, bone-crushing jaws, lived 68 million years ago and will be visiting The Durham Museum next summer? Tyrannosaurus Rex, and arguably the world’s most popular dinosaur. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children ages 3-12, free for members and children under 2. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

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SEPTEMBER 2019

THE ART OF SEATING: 200 YEARS OF AMERICAN DESIGN

Th rough Sept. 8 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Pulling this familiar everyday object out from under the desk and dining table, this event surprises us with the imaginative style and creativity found in this seemingly humble piece of furniture. Tickets: $10 general public adults; $5 college students with ID; free for Joslyn members and youth ages 17 and younger. 402.342.3300.

—joslyn.org

EVERYDAY PEOPLE: THE ART OF JAMES E RANSOME

Th rough Jan. 19 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Th is exhibition includes picture book illustrations celebrating inspiring stories of unknown characters, as well as individuals who made history such as Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, and Louis Armstrong.

Admission: free. 402.342.3300.

—joslyn.org

SOMETHING BLUE

Sept. 4-28 at Connect Gallery, 3901 Leavenworth St. Artist Norm Melichar works with outsider/folk art. In this show, he concentrates on blue art. An artist’s reception on Sept. 13 will feature live blues music Admission: free. 402.991.8234 — connectgallery.net

WHERE DID THIS COME FROM? SOME BACKGROUND ON SOUND ART

Sept. 6 at Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. Nicolas Collins, artist and editor-in-chief, will explore the breakthrough of sound art from its roots in American pioneer society, and continue through postWWII hot rod culture. Admission: free. 402.341.7130.

—bemiscenter.org

HANDMADE ELECTRONIC MUSIC AND HARDWARE HACKING WORKSHOP

Sept. 7 at Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. Speaking Sound Public Program Series Nicolas Collins will guide workshop participants through a series of simple sound-producing electronic construction projects that fi ll gaps in today’s computer-centric world of music production. Admission: free. 402.341.7130.

—bemiscenter.org

Join fellow readers for a FREE full day of conversations about literature and culture, featuring award-winning authors from Omaha and around the country.

Sat. Sept. 14, 2019 — 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Venue at Highlander Accelerator | 2112 N. 30th St.

omaha-lit-fest.com |

@omahalitfest

A CHIC SPACE FOR CREATIVE EVENTS...

Full-service Venue • Event Concierge Team Weddings • Special Events

SOMETIMES.WE.CANNOT. BE.WITH.OUR.BODIES.

Opening Sept. 12 at Th e Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St. Vanessa German’s immersive installation originated at the Mattress Factory in Pittsburgh, PA and is being reimagined at The Union. Admission: free. 402.933.3161.

—u.ca.org

1502 CUMING ST.

• 402) 819-8792 • INFO@OMAHADESIGNCENTER.COM SEPTEMBER 2019

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OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

WHAT WERE YOU WEARING

Sept. 12 at The Backline, 1618 Harney St. This improv show invites women, womyn, female-identifying, and gender queer people to celebrate comedy. Tickets: $5.

402.720.7670.

—theatreartsguild.com

RACE: ARE WE SO DIFFERENT?

ANNIE

Sept. 28-Jan. 5 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Developed by the American Anthropological Association in collaboration with the Science Museum of Minnesota, this national exhibition tells the stories of race from the biological, cultural, and historical points of view. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children ages 3-12, free for members and children under 2. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

Sept. 13-Oct. 13 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Th is classic story tells of a young girl, who—despite con artists, kidnappers, and Miss Hannigan—never gives up hope of one day reuniting with her parents. Times vary. Tickets: $114-$544.

402.553.0800.

—omahaplayhouse.com

Sept. 14 at Pageturners Lounge, 5004 Dodge St. Th is end party to Omaha Lit Fest features author Sam Slaughter as well as readings from emerging local poets.

Several signature drinks available for purchase. Free admission. 402.933.3973.

—pageturnerslounge.com

SWEAT

Th rough Sept. 15 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize and a three-time Tony Award nominee, Sweat follows a group of steelworkers whose steady march toward the American dream is uprooted by economic change. Tickets: $18-36. 402.553.0800.

—omahaplayhouse.com

RED SUMMER

DON’T TELL COMEDY OMAHA

Sept. 6 in Elkhorn. BYOB to a secret location revealed at 12 p.m. the day of the show, and enjoy the best comedians from around the country.

Sept.

—donttellcomedy.com

Sept. 10-29 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. The musical Omaha has been waiting for arrives this month. Th is winner of 11 Tony Awards tells the story of George Washington’s right-hand man, Alexander Hamilton. The show features a diverse cast and a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, and R&B. Tickets: $75-$350. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

SQUEEZE—THE SQUEEZE SONGBOOK TOUR

Sept. 4 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The South-London legends will play their extensive list of hits, as well as some rare, lesser-known gems from their back catalogue and solo careers. Here’s your chance to hear your favorites live: “Tempted,” “Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)”, “Up The Junction,” “Cool For Cats” and more. Tickets: $65-$35. 7:30 p.m.

402.345.0606 —ticketomaha.com

OLF AFTER-PARTY AND LIT PUB QUIZ

» Stage Performances «

HAMILTON

» Concerts «

BROAD PERSPECTIVE

Opening Sept. 16 in Skutt Student Center at Lied Art Gallery, 2500 California Plaza. Th is exhibit is inspired by stories of Creighton students’ experiences of sexual violence. Admission: free. 402.280.1706.

—creighton.edu

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Sept. 26-Oct. 20 at Bluebarn Theatre, 1106 S. 10th St. Red Summer follows the story of William Brown before the Omaha race riot of 1919. Tickets: $35 general admission, $30 for seniors (ages 65+), $28 for military and educators.

—bluebarn.org

BERT KREISCHER

Sept. 29 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Bert Kreischer is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer and host who performs to sellout crowds across the country. His standup special Bert Kreischer: Secret Time is currently streaming globally on Netflix. Described as having a “rare and incredible talent” (The Interrobang), Bert has evolved from being named Rolling Stone’s 1997 “Number One Partier in the Nation” to one of the top names in comedy. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $39.75-$59.75.

402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

JIMMIE ALLEN

Sept. 5 at Mammel Courtyard at the Holland, 1200 Douglas St. Jimmie Allen’s debut single “Best Shot” is a certified hit, claiming the spot as the No. 1 Most Shazamed song in the format for eight consecutive weeks, and claiming the No. 1 spot on country radio for three weeks, marking the first time a black artist has launched a career with a No. 1 hit with their debut single on country radio. 8 p.m. Tickets: $22-$50. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

SECOND ANNUAL SHADOW RIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Sept. 6 at Shadow Ridge Country Club, 1501 S. 188 Plaza. Soul Asylum and Matthew Sweet will open this all-ages show, with Violent Femmes performing as the festival headliner. 5 p.m. Tickets: $45 general admission, $70-$90 reserved seats. 402.333.4020.

—shadowridgecountryclub.com

BLINK-182

Sept. 7 at Stir Concert Cove-Harrah’s Council Bluff s Casino & Hotel, One Harrah’s Blvd. Californian ’90s pop-punk band known for “What’s My Age Again?” and “All the Small Th ings” performs. 8 p.m. Tickets: $116-$202. 712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s/shows

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SEPTEMBER 2019

OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

ROCK STRONGER THAN EVER SHOW

Sept. 13 at American Dream / Hangout, 7402 F St. With no cover charge, ages 21+ can hear the original rock music of Singool, D.N.D., Stately Wayne Manor, and The Long Awaited. 9 p.m. 402.330.2292.

—eventbrite.com

JON PARDI

Sept. 14 at Stir Concert Cove-Harrah’s Council Bluff s Casino & Hotel, One Harrah’s Blvd. The American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer has had nine singles on the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts. 8 p.m. Tickets: $45-$84.

712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s/shows

STRFKR

Sept. 14 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The indie band best known for “Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second” and “Open Your Eyes” is also known for putting on a stellar light show. 9 p.m. Tickets: $20 advanced, $23 day of show. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

THE LOWEST PAIR BACKSTREET BOYS: DNA WORLD TOUR

ALAN JACKSON

Sept. 8 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Backstreet’s back. Tickets include a copy of “DNA.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $26-$847. 402.341.1500.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

Sept. 13 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Country Music Hall of Fame artist Jackson, best known for “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” performs.

7:30 p.m. Tickets: $36-$126. 402.341.1500.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

SHEER MAG

Sept. 10 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. Sheer Mag delivers razor-sharp commentaries on current political and cultural issues with a ’70s arena rock sound. 8 p.m. Admission: $13-$15.

402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

THE MOVEMENT Sept.

FLOGGING MOLLY AND SOCIAL DISTORTION: SUMMER TOUR 2019

Sept. 11 at Stir Concert Cove-Harrah’s Council Bluff s Casino & Hotel, One Harrah’s Blvd. The seven-piece Celtic punk band known for hits such as “Drunken Lullabies” and “If I Ever Leave Th is World Alive,” hits the stage with punk rock band Social Distortion. 6 p.m.

Admission: $50-$170. 712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s/shows

13

Sept. 13 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Inspired by Sublime, 311, and Slightly Stoopid, this group delivers alternative-reggae sounds, promoting their latest album, Ways of the World. Tickets: $12 advance, $15 day of show. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

Sept. 14 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Th is banjo duo delivers feel-good folk hits such as “Sweet Breath” and “The Sky is Green.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $17 advance, $20 day of show. 402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

BIG SANDY AND HIS FLY-RITE BOYS

Sept. 15 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. The Western swing, country boogie, doo-wop group, and members of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame perform sets reminiscent of ’50s California. 5 p.m. $17 advance, $20 day of show. 402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

INTERPOL

Sept. 15 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The band responsible for “Rest My Chemistry” and “Evil” performs. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35-$47.

402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

AARON LEWIS

Sept. 12 at SumTur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St. Lewis is on the road performing his latest album, State I’m In. 8 p.m. Tickets: $35. 402.597.2041.

—ticketmaster.com

KRISTEN HERSH ELECTRIC TRIO

Sept. 12 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. The American singer-songwriter, musician, and author is performing material from her 30-year career alongside bassist Fred Abong and drummer Rob Ahlers. 8 p.m. Tickets: $38$55. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

SEPTEMBER 2019

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OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

THE COMMONHEART

Sept. 15 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. Singer Clinton Clegg and his 9-piece band perform smokey, soulful, feel-good hits such as “Cannonball” and “Do Right.”

8 p.m. Admission: $12-$15. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

ZIGGY ALBERTS

Sept. 15 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. The Australian singer/songwriter sings stories of his upbringing, life on the road, and environmental issues. 8 p.m. Tickets: $22 advanced, $25 day of show. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

STRAND OF OAKS

Sept. 17 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Th is music group, fronted by Timothy Showalter, is coming to Omaha with their folk-rock sound. 8 p.m. Tickets: $18. 402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

PHONY PPL

Sept. 24 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Liberation is both the modus operandi and main ingredient of the fearless five-man band Phony Ppl. Comprised of the cream of Brooklyn’s young musician crop, each member is a product of musical parents who gifted their children exposure to the greatest, from Mandrill to Bossa Nova, and, most importantly, wings for exploration and self-discovery. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 advanced, $18 day of show. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

THE MYNABIRDS

Sept. 25 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Local musician Laura Burhenn comes to Reverb Lounge. No stranger to politics in her songwriting, Burhenn’s latest album speaks from the voice of the collective consciousness in a work of “emotional journalism.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $13 advanced, $15 day of show. 402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

PROF

THE BAND CAMINO

WARBRINGER

NIGHTLY

Sept. 18 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. The Minnesotan is known for show-stopping live performances, and making the most out of life despite hardships. 7 p.m. Admission: $15-$20. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

Sept. 19 at Lookout Lounge, 320 S 72nd St. Th is thrash metal band delivers a high-octane, intense performance. Swedish heavy metal band Enforcer and others are also performing. 7 p.m Tickets: $15. 402.391.2554.

—lookoutomaha.com

ANDY GRAMMER

Sept. 20 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. Grammer, known for hits such as “Honey, I’m Good” and “Don’t Give Up On Me” performs. 8 p.m. Tickets: $33 advanced, $38 day of show. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

Sept. 27 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. Th is Nashville-based group delivers anthemic hits such as “My Thoughts on You” and “Daphne Blue.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $18 advanced, $20 day of show. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

Sept. 27 at Sokol Underground, 2234 S. 13th St. Jonathan Capeci and Joey Beretta of Nightly deliver dreamy alternative pop hits such as “Twenty Something” and “XO.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $13 advanced, $15 day of show. 402.346.9802.

—sokolauditorium.com

MIDWEST MASQUERADE 2019

Sept. 28 at The Waiting Room Lounge and Reverb Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Wear formal attire and a mask and wander between venues for a unique musical experience. 8 p.m. Tickets: $6-$20. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

DVORAK’S NEW WORLD SYMPHONY

Sept. 20-21 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Dvorak’s fiery “New World” Symphony meets Grammy-nominated composer Zhou Tian’s brand new composition dedicated to the 150th Anniversary of the Golden Spike and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Tian’s work and Dvorak’s familiar masterpiece celebrate the excitement of the unknown in this season opener. Tickets: $19 and up. 402.345.0606 —ticketomaha.com

EMO NITE OMAHA 2019

Sept.

29

Sept. 21 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Emo night brings out all the magic at Reverb Lounge and the Waiting Room. Th is show features performances from several from live bands. The two venues will be accessible through a secret hallway, so people can float between both rooms all night long. 9 p.m. Tickets: $15 advanced, $18 day of show. 402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

// 10 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

SCHOENBERG’S TRANSFIGURED NIGHT

Sept. 29 at Witherspoon Concert Hall in Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Schoenberg’s lush, hyper-romantic Transfigured Night uses a full ensemble of strings to bring poetry to life before Ravel’s delightful Tombeau de Couperin uses lighthearted melodies and supreme wind writing to evoke beloved companions lost in World War I. A concert feature for every member of the Omaha Symphony. Tickets:$36. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

MIKE WATT + THE MISSINGMEN

Sept. 30 at Reverb Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Bassist Mike Watt was a founding member of the Minutemen, who created adventurous, fiercely polemical music informed by such disparate traditions as funk, folk, and free jazz. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 advance, $18 day of show.

402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

» Family & More « FARMERS MARKETS

Harvest season is in full swing, and those desiring fresh produce will find plenty of options in the area, along with artisan cheeses, farm-raised meats, freshly baked breads, assorted treats, and craft items.

• Council Bluffs (Bayliss Park) 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 26 • Old Market (11th and Jackson streets) 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 12 • Village Pointe (168th and Dodge streets) 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 5.

• Aksarben Village (67th and Center streets) 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 13.

• Florence Mill (9102 N. 30th St.) 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 29.

• Gifford Park (33rd and California streets) 5-8 p.m.

Fridays through Sept. 27.

LA FESTA ITALIANA

Th rough Sept. 1 at American Italian Heritage Society, 5110 N. 132nd St. Manga! Manga! Manga! Guests are encouraged to come hungry to this festival, at which they can sample authentic Italian food, drink wine and beer, watch the fireworks, and dance under the stars.

6-10 p.m. Friday; 5-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-11 p.m.

Sunday. Tickets: $5.50 advanced, $7 at the door; free for children under 12 with an adult. 402.493.8888.

—omahaitaly.com

SEPTEMBERFEST

Th rough Sept. 2 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. This year’s salute to labor includes live music, a carnival, food, and more. 5 p.m.-midnight Friday; Noon to midnight Saturday-Monday; 10 a.m. Labor Day parade. Admission: $7 per person ages 6 and up, per day; free for children under 5.

—septemberfestomaha.org

2019 RHYTHM BLUES & ARTS FEST

Sept. 1 at Lewis & Clark Landing, 345 Riverfront Drive. Th is year’s headliner is Keith Sweat, who will bring four decades-worth of hits to the event. The Rhythm Blues & Arts Fest will also host pop-up shops with regional arts and crafts. 2-11:30 p.m. Tickets: $35-$99.

—rbafest.com

HUTCHFEST 2019

11th and Nicholas Streets. Th is makers fest offers attendees the chance to shop from 250+ artisans and vintage dealers from across the Midwest, eat brunch fare from popular Omaha restaurants and food trucks, drink brunch cocktails and beer, play oversized lawn games such as Connect 4 and Jenga, and listen to live performances. 402.926.6747.

—hutchfest.co

BAD HABIT AT HANGOUT’S BIKE NIGHT

Sept. 4 at American Dream / Hangout, 7402 F St. Come out and enjoy the American Dream/Hangout’s Wednesday night Bike Night. Gates open at 7 p.m. The event features food, drink, contests, and giveaways.

402.330.2292.

—eventbrite.com

It’s an eclectic mash-up of trendy vendors, food & entertainment

OUR LADY OF LOURDES

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May 3 1• July 26 Augu June 28 • st 30 • September 27 6 pm to 10 pm

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stcabriniomaha.org 10th and Williams Street SEPTEMBER 2019

// 11 //

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

JAM ’N’ BREAD

Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 at Western Historic Trails Center, 3434 Richard Downing Ave. Local musicians are invited each Thursday to gather at Western Historic Trails Center to play old-time country, bluegrass, blues, etc. Open to anyone who plays, sings, or just wants to listen. Free homemade bread. 1-4 p.m. Admission: free.

515.281.5111.

—culturalaffairs.org

TEACHER’S FESTIVAL

Sept. 6 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Th is free event invites educators and administrators to explore tables and view programs useful to teachers.

Free drinks and light snacks included. 5:30-8 p.m.

Admission: free. 402.342.6164.

—ocm.org

GRANITE CITY BEER FEST

Sept. 7 at Granite City Food & Brewery, 1001 N. 102nd St. Granite City invites those of age to celebrate their fi rst beer fest. Enjoy different types of beer in celebration of the event. 3-8 p.m. Admission: $20-$25.

402.393.5000.

—eventbrite.com

48TH ANNUAL ART FAIR

Sept. 7-8 at Rockbrook Village, 108th and Center Streets. Th is juried art fair will feature more than 100 artists, including painters, sculptors, ceramics artists, glass artists, fiber artists, and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Admission: free. 402.390.0890.

—rockbrookvillageartfair.com

JITTERBUG JAMBORAMA: OMAHA JAZZ & SWING DANCE FESTIVAL

Sept. 6-8 at Eagles Ballroom, 201 S. 24th St. Th is festival is a celebration of swing dancing and music organized by and for the Omaha, Nebraska swing dance community. 11 a.m. Registration: $15-$175.

402.208.3006.

—jitterbugs.org

MIDWEST WINDS KITE FLIERS FALL FESTIVAL

Sept. 14 at Ditmar’s Orchard, 19475 225th St. in Council Bluff s. Kites of all shapes and sizes will coloring the sky at this special event at the orchard. Activities at the orchard include bumper balls and hayrack rides, along with picking the fresh produce. 712.256.7053.

—ditmarsorchard.com

BLACK FAMILY EXCELLENCE FESTIVAL

Sept. 15 at Benson Park Pavillion, 7028 Military Ave. Th is event offers health screenings, community resources, food, face painting, animal balloons, carnival games, a live Mixxedfit class, a live DJ, raffle prizes, a free concert, and more. Admission: free. 402.455.4090 —@NewRisingStarOmaha on Facebook

LATE NIGHTS AT THE ZOO

Sept. 19 at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S 10th St. Come experience nightlife at an unconventional cocktail hour in town. Ages 21+. 7-11 p.m. Admission: $10-$15. 402.738.2038.

—omahazoo.com

135TH GERMAN DAY-OKTOBERFEST

Sept. 20-21 at German-American Society, 3717 S. 120th St. Celebrate Oktoberfest with traditional German food and entertainment. Admission: $7 for adults, free for children ages 12 and under and active military members. 402.333.6615.

—germanamericansociety.org

402 MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

Sept. 20 at Karma Nightclub, 311 S. 15th St. Karma Crew and Karma Nightclub are happy to present the 402 Festival in Omaha, The outdoor, all-day event features local food, live art, and live bands and DJs from across the Midwest. Noon-11 p.m. Tickets: $10-$20.

402.531.7503.

—eventbrite.com

GLOW IN THE GARDEN

Sept. 8 at SumTur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St. This local group’s mission is to bring joy to other seniors through musical entertainment. 7:30 p.m. Admission: free. 402.597.2049.

—papillion.org

Sept. 20 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Wear classic or creative cocktail attire (and a mask) to this outdoor event and enjoy the food trucks and cash bar while listening to music. 7-11 p.m. Tickets: $25 Young Art Patron members, $40 general public, $50 day of event. 402.933.8220.

—joslyn.org

AFRICAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL OMAHA

28TH ANNUAL FORT OMAHA POWWOW

PAPILLION’S SINGING SENIORS

Sept. 14 at Stinson Park in Aksarben Village. Festivalgoers can try authentic African cuisine and listen to music as they peruse vendors, including crafts, jewelry, and clothing. 2-10 p.m. Admission: free. 402.957.4145.

—aksarbenvillage.com

BELLEVUE BONFIRE

Sept 14 at Pirate Pub in Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Patch, 11001 S. 48th St. Gather around the bonfire for ghost-story swapping and s’mores-making. Th is event is for visitors ages 13 and older, visitors under 18 must be chaperoned by a parent. 6-10 p.m. Admission: $20.

402.953.9670.

—mphtours.com

// 12 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

Sept. 21 at Metropolitan Community College’s Fort Omaha Campus, 5300 N. 30th St. The Fort Omaha Intertribal Pow Wow honors the traditional dance, music, artistry, oral history, and foods of various tribes across Nebraska and the surrounding region. Tribes represented include, but are not limited to, Ponca, Omaha, Santee Sioux, and Winnebago. 1-7 p.m. Admission: free. 531.622.2253.

—mccneb.edu

18TH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST

Sept. 27-28 at Crescent Moon and Huber-Haus, 3578 Farnam St. Celebrate this German harvest celebration at the Crescent Moon and Huber-Haus with music from the Barry Boyce Band and Bobby “Z” and Polka Joy, authentic German food, and plenty of beer. 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday; noon-2 a.m. Saturday. Admission: $5 for ages 21 and older. 402.345.1708.

—beercornerusa.com

OMAHA’S RIVER CITY RODEO

Sept. 27-28 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Th is event highlights PRCA-sanctioned rodeo teams and will feature all seven rodeo events, including steer wrestling, team roping, and bull riding. The winners of this event will advance to the National Finals Rodeo. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $17-$42. 402.341.1500.

—omaharivercityrodeo.org

TURNER PARK NIGHT MARKET

Sept. 27 at Turner Park in Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St. Th is is the last night market of the season, and will feature more than 40 vendors, a cocktail patio, food and drink, games such as giant chess and Jenga, and live music and entertainment.

6-10 p.m. Admission: free. 402.345.5401.

—midtowncrossing.com

PUMPKIN PATCHES

Fall wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch. There are several within a short drive of Omaha where one can pick their own pumpkin and participate in a wide variety of activities.

• Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch (1100 S. 48th St.) Opens Sept. 14. Th is pumpkin ranch features an Old West ghost town, mines, caves, a huge treehouse, Pirates Cove, and the Ranch of Terror haunted house. 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

—bellevueberryfarm.com • Harvest Moon Farm (1410 US-77, Oakland, Nebraska) Opens Sept. 20. Zipline, play in the sports barn and puppet barn, race around on the go-kart tracks, and spend time in the scarecrow forest at this farm.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; noon-6 p.m. Fridays-Sundays; closed Mondays.

—harvestmoonoakland.com • Pioneer Trail Orchard and Pumpkin Patch (21534 Chestnut Road, Council Bluff s). Opens Sept. 15.

Events include a gold mine, volleyball court, dark barn maze, dino dig, and more. 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5-10 p.m Fridays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 7 p.m. Sundays.

—ptapples.com • Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch (3935 NE-133, Blair) Opens Sept. 6. Th is farm features rolling racers, a petting zoo, pedal karts and more. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays; 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays.

—skinnybonespumpkinpatch.com • Vala’s Pumpkin Patch (12102 S. 180th St.) Opens Sept. 13. One of Omaha’s largest pumpkin patches includes more than 50 attractions, along with special events that can be added on, such as pony rides or black light paintball. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.

—valaspumpkinpatch.com Event times and details may change.

Visist omahamagazine.com for complete listings.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

Four Old Market 108th & Center rockbrookvillage.com

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Conveniently located just off the interstate 8487 Frederick Street | customgemsomaha.com | 402-397-9606 SEPTEMBER 2019

// 13 //

A+C MUSIC // STORY BY SEAN MCCARTHY // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

S

A TOY DRIVE

traight

Heart to the

Larry Dunn may be a soft-spoken guy, but physically, he exudes the traits that define outlaw country. His arms are covered in tattoos. His black T-shirt contrasts with his straw cowboy hat. Part Pete Seeger, part Henry Rollins, Dunn first discovered guitar as an alternative to sports.

“I

was a skinny, dorky kid. It seemed like a way that I might meet a girl,” Dunn says.

After memorizing “intro to guitar” standards from the likes of AC/DC, a friend introduced Dunn to the rock-and-roll band The Blasters. Their straightforward musicianship and working-class lyrics resonated with Dunn.

“As soon as I heard it, I knew that it was for me,” Dunn says.

For nearly three decades, Dunn has played his brand of hardscrabble, propulsive country music.

People are more likely to know him by his stage name, Lash LaRue. However, to hundreds of Lakota children living on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, he is best known for his charity. His organization, Toy Drive for Pine Ridge, provides toys for the children on the Pine Ridge Reservation over the holidays.

SEPTEMBER

// 14 //

2019

For expanded content, scan this QR code with your smart device.

// A+C MUSIC //

D

unn’s first major exposure to Lakota culture was in his early 30s when he took a onenight class at Metropolitan Community College on Lakota spirituality.

The class was taught by Wendell Bird Head.

Dunn says Bird Head invited him to participate in a sweat lodge ceremony. After that, Dunn began traveling to the Pine Ridge Reservation on a regular basis and learning the Lakota language.

“I’m very much aware that I’m a guest there… and I’ve been able to see and do things most people haven’t,” Dunn says. “I take that privilege and honor very seriously.”

Oglala Lakota County (formerly Shannon County), the area that includes Pine Ridge Reservation, ranks as the poorest county in the United States according to the American Community Survey. A 2018 U.S. Census estimate indicated almost 42 percent of residents live in poverty. The individual yearly per capita income is less than $9,400. By contrast, the same report listed the average yearly individual per capita income of someone living in Douglas county at around $30,000. The same report found that more than 37 percent of those living in Oglala Lakota County are under the age of 18.

Around 2003, Dunn heard of a group from Colorado that organized a toy drive for Pine Ridge. He felt that he could do the same thing in Omaha.

“It’s the cliched musician thing. I came back and thought ‘I’m going to put on a show and see if we can get some toys and take them up there,’” Dunn says.

The first show was in 2003 at Mick’s Music Bar (now The Sydney). Five acoustic acts played, and $500 was raised. Dunn and a few of his friends loaded a friend’s pickup with toys and delivered them to Pine Ridge.

Sixteen years later, a pickup truck no longer suffices for what Dunn’s organization collects during the holidays. Instead of one concert, the nonprofit organization now hosts concerts in Des Moines and Lincoln as well as Omaha. With five bands playing per show, Dunn guesses he coordinates schedules with roughly 100 musicians. He says he begins ramping up for the toy drive in August. Last year, he played 13 shows for the drive. “By the time Thanksgiving is over, this is my whole world,” Dunn says.

Dunn now takes a donated 24-foot truck to Pine Ridge about a week before Christmas with all the collected toys. Sometimes fellow musicians will ride up with him. Others will help load the truck. // 16 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

“I may have had the first idea, but if it weren’t for all of these people, it would be me, one G.I. Joe, and one Barbie going up there.”

Dunn says he knows a toy drive won’t solve the problems of poverty for many families on Pine Ridge. However, he points to stories like one girl who received a giant teddy bear one year. A few weeks later, the girl wrote Dunn to thank him, and told him the bear “takes away my nightmares.” Dunn says he tells that story to anyone who tells him that “toys don’t solve anything.”

Getting the toys to Pine Ridge Reservation hasn’t always been easy. In 2009, the rental truck he was driving had a mechanical problem; it wouldn’t go above 35 mph. As the truck limped its way to its destination, a blizzard rolled in, reducing visibility to mere feet from Dunn’s windshield. The toys made it, but on the return trip Dunn heeded the advice of the rental truck agency and abandoned the truck in Gordon, Nebraska. He hitched a ride back to Omaha with one of the volunteers following his truck.

For the toy drive, Dunn coordinates with schools throughout Pine Ridge. Toys are brought into the schools, and children from kindergarten through eighth grade are given the opportunity to select one toy. Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School in Porcupine, South Dakota, is one of the participating schools. In a phone interview, Principal Theresa Lessert says some children use their one gift to either give to their sibling, or pick a game the entire family can play.

Lessert will sometimes talk with Dunn in advance about a family that is going through an especially hard time. One year, she told him about a family who lost their father shortly before Christmas. She says Dunn made sure each child from the family received a box full of toys.

“His generosity is just unbelievable,” Lessert says. “He’s been a godsend to many of our children.”

Along with the toy drive, Dunn has started a propane relief fund for Pine Ridge residents. Part of the drive’s proceeds go toward supplying propane to those in need.

Karen Red Star, director of the Oglala Sioux Tribe Health Education Program, collects a list of names of those who require heat assistance. In a phone interview, Red Star says she has known people on the reservation who have died during the winter because of lack of access to heat.

“We’re all desperate [out here], but there are some that are even more desperate,” Red Star says.

Red Star says Dunn’s organization donates the funds directly to the propane supplier, Lakota Plains Propane. Red Star estimates the Toy Drive helped more than 80 families with their heat last year. “[The families] are so grateful,” Red Star says. “They really appreciate[d] all the help that they got.”

Dunn’s organization has received corporate grants from Ebay and Paypal. However, he estimates that almost 95% of contributions come from individual $10 donations.

“That’s something I’m most proud of,” Dunn says.

For more information, visit toydriveforpineridge.org

“I

MAY HAVE HAD THE FIRST IDEA, BUT IF IT WEREN’T FOR ALL OF THESE PEOPLE, IT WOULD BE ME, ONE G.I. JOE, AND ONE BARBIE GOING UP THERE. ” -LARRY DUNN

“BEING HERE OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS HAS REALLY PUSHED ME TO START TAKING MY ART MORE SERIOUSLY BECAUSE OMAHA REALLY HAS A SCENE FOR SELF-TAUGHT ARTISTS AND PEOPLE WHO DON’T FIT INTO TRADITIONAL GALLERY SETTINGS.” -ANG BENNETT

A+C VISUAL // STORY BY PATRICK MAINELLI PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

B

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A LIFE OF ART, ADVOCACY, AND SERVICE

A

rtist Ang Bennett’s path to Omaha was through service.

Specifically, it was a tour with AmeriCorps that brought them here, working with Omaha’s Lutheran Family Services. When the term was up and it was time to head home, Bennett opted to stay in Omaha.

“There’s a lot of good going on,” Bennett observes. “Being here over the last few years has really pushed me to start taking my art more seriously because Omaha really has a scene for self-taught artists and people who don’t fit into traditional gallery settings.”

Working primarily in paint and ink drawing, Bennett’s art is most often figurative. “I’m very much a history buff, so I love telling historical stories through what I create.” In particular, it is history’s queer icons and advocates that Bennett is most interested in bringing to the attention of the public eye.

“For me, it’s about understanding and the power that representation has to build a more honest picture of the communities we live in. You don’t have to necessarily agree with everyone’s political standpoint or how they live their lives, but art can help us come to a better place of understanding of identities different from your own.”

Bennett is certainly not alone among Omaha’s art scene in advocating for broader representation. The Nasty Artist Collective, of which Bennett is a part, is one example of a local effort to bring greater diversity and social awareness to Omaha’s gallery scene. Comprised of a half-dozen core artists and several more affiliated collaborators,

the mission of Nasty Artist Collective is to create space for artists of all backgrounds to “share personal truths, art, and causes they care about.”

“Social change through art is really central to what we’re trying to do,” Bennett explains, “and a big part of pushing for change is pushing for greater visibility, getting people to recognize what their community really looks like outside whatever bubbles we’re all living in.”

This commitment to continually opening awareness to new perspectives is echoed in many areas of Bennett’s life. A recent Habitat for Humanity service trip to Brazil (a self-given 29th birthday gift) exposed Bennett to ways and rhythms of life far removed from the Omaha scene.

“I’m one of those people who has a hard time just traveling for fun,” Bennett says. “I knew that I wanted to go to Brazil, but I didn’t just want to sit around all day. The Habitat build was perfect. We built cisterns in a small village, collecting clean rainwater for cooking and bathing.”

Back in Omaha, Bennett works as a teaching artist with The Union for Contemporary Art’s youth program and served as the Youth Engagement Coordinator with Benson First Friday (BFF).

“We love having Ang on the BFF Crew,” says Alex Jochim, co-founder and executive director of BFF. “[Bennett] began volunteering with BFF regularly in 2017, and then took on more work in 2018 by planting the seeds of our Youth Engagement program, including monthly youth activities.”

Bennett also helped formulate the beginning of a youth-centric art gallery and a budding youth scholarship program. “[Bennett is] passionate and progressive about spreading culture and all things positive, and that energy shines through into our current Youth Engagement activities,” Jochim adds.

As an advocate, Bennett serves on the board for GLSEN (formerly the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network), and for the last four years has worked as a CASA (court appointed special advocate for abused or neglected children).

“I’m passionate about being an advocate for teenagers, because I feel like once children reach a certain age there just aren’t enough resources for them and we don’t have enough love for them,” Bennett says.

Of course, advocating for youth who have experienced real trauma is almost always challenging, but rewarding work. “It feels essential,” Bennett says.

“Representation really matters, and if I’m not putting myself out there with my own identity, especially in Omaha where things are so segregated, you’re not showing kids that it’s okay to be yourself. I am a black, queer person, and that’s how I enter every space that I go into, whether I’m with my CASA kids or at an art event. Those are the identities that I hold. How could I shy away from them?”

You can view Bennett’s art at artistangbennett.com

SEPTEMBER 2019

// 19 //

The In[HEIR]itance Project isn’t playing around

For expanded content, scan this QR code with your smart device.

A+C PERFORMANCE // STORY BY GREG JERRETT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK to artists, art lovers, critics, and scholars. Two-dimensional art has its passive, observable beauty on the wall or on the pedestal, but the stage is the canvas of the living theater. The stage is where The Union for Contemporary Art fellow Chantal Pavageaux puts her interdisciplinary skills to work to form a cohesive patchwork of ideas.

“Both my grandmothers were quilters,” Pavageaux says. “I grew up around sewing machines. I knit, sew, and craft elaborately. The foundations of patchwork and bricolage are in all of my artwork.

I have always made things from what was around or left behind. I’m a bit of a magpie naturally, drawn to anything sparkly.”

Pavageaux is originally from Garland, Texas, about 15 miles outside of Dallas. She began her theater career acting in school productions. At age 5, she played Suzette, a kidnapped doll in It’s a Dungaree World. According to Pavageaux, everything about growing up in Garland fueled her future artistic goals.

“Being a cheerleader, [and] attending Catholic and Baptist churches exponentially increased my affinity for glitter, spectacle, extravagance, and pageantry,” Pavageaux says. “I think of the works I create as gifts, and therefore there is a commitment to specialness in the making.”

A voracious reader of science and science fiction, Pavageaux lets her inquisitive nature lead the way as she explores new art forms.

“My curiosity about the way things work feeds into my research-based, performance-making methodology. When I get interested in a subject, I will read every single book I can get my hands on in order to better understand the many facets of it,” Pavageaux says.

“With my fellowship, I am currently following these curiosities and exploring new mediums. I have been painting and creating ceramics, in addition to creating the performance work with the In[HEIR]itance Project.”

Since 2014, Pavageaux and other members of The In[HEIR]itance Project have been creating plays based on extensive research of holy texts, historic documents, and current affairs to tell stories particular to different cities around central themes. The project began with fellow New York University classmate

Jon Adam Ross and a grant from The Covenant Foundation to do five plays in five cities.

“We based each play on a different character from the book of ‘Genesis.’

We paired the cities and the characters, gathered artists, writers, and experts in the text like clergy and biblical scholars,” Pavageaux says. “We studied the cities and found connections between the community, the storytellers, and the story of the cities.”

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota; Seattle, Washington; Charleston, South Carolina; Austin, Texas; and Kansas City, Missouri, each ended up with their own community-created performances with box-office proceeds going back into the community. The project has since evolved and Omaha will be part of a new series based on another biblical text.

“We are currently devising a piece based on the book of ‘Exodus’ with

the refugee communities in Omaha,” Pavageaux says. “This is the second in a series based on Exodus. The first was created in Harlem in 2018 with formerly incarcerated New Yorkers and rabbinical students. We will have performances of Exodus: Resettlement in Omaha in November of 2019, and then the series will continue next year in Cincinnati and Norfolk, Virginia.”

A new series based around water will begin in Miami in 2020, expanding over the next few years to New Orleans, Houston, Flint, Las Vegas, and Tel Aviv.

“I am very excited to see how the different projects and new mediums start to inf luence and cross-pollinate each other,” Pavageaux says.

For more information on The In[HEIR] itance Project and Chantal Pavageaux, go to facebook.com/inheiritance, twitter.com/inHEIRitance, instagram.com/ inheiritanceproject, and instagram.com/ chantalmakesart.

A voracious reader of science and science fiction, Pavageaux lets her inquisitive nature lead the way as she explores new art forms.

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SPORTS // STORY BY CHRIS HATCH

Reaching Out with Both Arms The Brian Duensing Foundation

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SEPTEMBER 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

A

Ask former Husker standout Brian Duensing about transition— he’ll tell you about it.

He’s doing some of his own, right now.

Duensing is back in his home state, keeping that million dollar left arm—the one that’s seen surgeries and strikeouts and felt the dull ache of time seeping into the medically repaired tendons—ready to reach for the phone. The longtime professional baseball player was granted his release from the Chicago Cubs this spring, spending part of the 2019 season in Des Moines with their AAA team before opting out of that contract.

“It just wasn’t working out,” he says.

He’s trying to catch on somewhere else; make one final push before dusk settles on decades of pitching. “If it doesn’t work out then it was a great run. I never thought I would play college baseball, let alone professional baseball. So this has all been icing on the cake.”

Duensing may be waiting, but he’s hardly standing still. Not when he can take that rocket-fueled arm and use it to reach out.

SEPTEMBER 2019

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Y SPORTS //

You see, people like Duensing are from here.

With all that polite, but emphatic, inflection that means so much in Nebraska.

The Millard South graduate has pitched for the Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, Cubs, Team U.S.A. at the 2008 Olympics in China, and at nearly every stop in the Midwest with a mound and four bases, but he never stopped coming back. His love of Nebraska is one reason why he started a charity in his home state of 1.9 million people.

The Brian Duensing Foundation has donated nearly $400,000 to local charities since 2015, focusing primarily on pediatric cancer and other serious childhood illnesses. And like the man who gives the foundation its name, the idea to start the foundation had humble beginnings—an old T-shirt, a wife with a passion, and inspiration hanging at the back of the closet.

“I pulled a ‘Team Jack’ shirt off a hanger, getting ready to ship home some stuff from Minnesota,” he says, referring to the foundation that was started because of Jack Hoffman, a young Nebraska Husker fan battling brain cancer. “My wife Lisa said to me, ‘wouldn’t it be cool if you could wear T-shirts of different kids dealing with pediatric cancer?’ I sent out a Tweet, thinking we would get a few here and there. What actually happened was that I received more T-shirts than there are days of the month in September.”

// 24 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

Thus he wore a T-shirt from a different organization for 30 days, photographed himself wearing them, and posted the photos to his social media. Duensing gave each organization $500 and innumerable amounts of awareness.

They’re hosting the Reveal Gala on Nov. 15 to help shed light on the long-term effects of childhood cancer. The event will support the launch of a survivorship clinic at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha for those looking to transition from pediatric care to adult cancer care.

The clinic will be available at Children’s to people up to age 21 who were treated for childhood cancer and who have been off therapy for at least two years.

Duensing was inundated with people looking to raise awareness, find someone who cared like they did, or help find a few dollars to fight this battle. He continued the T-shirt campaign for several years.

“It was bittersweet. In a way, it was cool to see how well social media can work but also sad that so many kids are affected by cancer.”

With more than a little help from the brains behind the operation and some willing friends, they’ve been making a difference.

“Lisa is definitely the brains and the muscle behind the ideas. [She] and I, and Traci Curtis, who runs the foundation, all usually brainstorm ideas. We try to think of things we have seen at other events we have attended and use those as inspiration.”

He also holds a variety of fundraisers, each one unique—whether it was raising money for Camp CoHoLo (Courage, Hope, Love) or mixing Manhattans behind the bar with fellow professional baseball player Alex Gordon at a black-tie affair. Duensing and his crew are always looking for innovative ways to give back.

Like the middle reliever he has been for so many years, Duensing wants to make the change from start to close easier for cancer survivors.

“As we spoke with some friends whose child has some complications from treatments, we learned about the new survivorship clinic being [created] at Children’s Hospital,” Duensing says. “The truth is, just because a child beats cancer doesn’t mean the fight stops. So this clinic will help with the next phases of their lives.”

Ask Brian Duensing about transition. He’ll tell you.

He wants to make it easier for young people, too.

Visit thebrianduensingfoundation.org for more information.

The Brian Duensing Foundation has donated nearly $400,000 to local charities since 2015, focusing primarily on pediatric cancer and other serious childhood illnesses.

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SEPTEMBER

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Resistance, Reflection, and Retaining One’ s Religion

LISTENING TO THE UNiVER SE

PEOPLE PROFILE // STORY BY JOSEFINA LOZA WELLS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

T

he Rev. Debra McKnight’s journey to the altar hasn’t been without obstacles. The freedom to live out her calling as a pastor came on the heels of immense testing, resistance to conformity, persistent theological reflection, and the pursuit of God’s will.

McKnight, a 42-year-old mother, is the founding pastor of Urban Abbey in the Old Market, which started as a satellite of the First United Methodist Church but became independent nearly four years ago. With the motto “coffee, cause, communion,” Urban Abbey will celebrate its eight-year anniversary in November.

McKnight describes Urban Abbey as a coffee shop, bookstore, and church. They sell fair-trade coffee, books, jewelry, and other gifts, and the shop area is cleared for Sunday church services. She says Urban Abbey’s uniqueness often creates atypical opportunities such as her own.

McKnight was reared in Plattsmouth by God-fearing Methodist parents who served in their community in a variety of ways, from Rotary Club to Plattsmouth Community Schools’ board of education. Debra was in seventh grade when she was struck with the idea of becoming a pastor. “Faith is more than just church,” she explains.

“Church was a nurturing place for me.”

Ministering was an idea that came to her in stages. As a teenager, McKnight’s passion was the environment, and she started an ecology club at the Methodist church in Plattsmouth to encourage parishioners to think green. Environmentalism was such a passion, in fact, that she went to college with the idea of majoring in the subject.

She also took women’s studies and American history courses at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the late 1990s, which she says “opened her to seeing the larger fabric” of society and social inequality.

Her faith aligned with her blossoming ideals. The Methodist church has always been concerned with social justice—early Methodists expressed their opposition to societal ills such as slavery, smuggling, inhumane prison conditions, alcohol abuse, and child labor. The church gave her a platform to help others, and she tried to broaden conservative views on gender roles, race relations, and other non-normative lifestyles. Along the way, she developed a strong desire to participate in church leadership, but she was met with opposition when she expressed interest in becoming a female pastor.

“I don’t think I encountered a sense that women weren’t equal until I decided to pursue being a pastor,” McKnight says.

The Methodist church has seen women in the clergy since 1761, but to this day, 70 to 75 percent of clergy people are men. There is still a stigma being a female pastor, says the Rev. Jill Sander-Chali of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas.

McKnight met this longtime friend at Perkins School of Theology.

“I went into the seminary not as aware of obstacles that women in the ministry faced,” Sander-Chali says.

SEPTEMBER

Women experience rejection when they seek out a pulpit. Yet, McKnight realized the gravitational pull to pursue ministry service was something she could not ignore.

Before seminary, McKnight earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in English. She lived and worked in Germany as an education counselor for active-duty military personnel. In 2008, she graduated from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, a place where she discovered a love of liturgy, explored diverse theological perspectives, pushed boundaries on the church’s traditional structures, and experimented with preaching in a rigorous academic community.

“Debra is an amazing teacher,” Sander-Chali says. “She has an amazing, powerful presence in the most nonthreatening way to help people see things differently than they had before.”

Sander-Chali says McKnight has had that gift for a long time, explaining: “She would debate things in class and challenge our classmates.

She always had a way of reframing and renaming things to people.

Sometimes people wouldn’t realize that she was challenging them.

When in fact, Debra just took over that conversation. Doing it in a way that people would follow. She’s just so good with words.”

Sander-Chali says the two reverends are taught and trained in the art of loving people the way they are and helping them grow. But they need the opportunity to talk, as women and as pastors. “By your hospital bed and in your pulpit, we’re just showing up and being,” she says. “Physical presence communicates a lot. My gender, that becomes powerful and it leads to spiritual healing and awareness.”

In 2010, McKnight was ordained in the United Methodist Church, and she has thrived in her role as pastor. She has a wonderful ability to influence people in positive and healthy ways. McKnight owns a clergy collar for parades and protests because her work focuses on social justice, liturgics, and building community. While in Omaha, she has lead her faith community in starting a pub church, called Wesley Pub, though she doesn’t drink beer, and then a coffee shop (Urban Abbey), though she prefers tea.

“I admire her,” Sander-Chali says. “She indeed has a lot of resilience and tenacity to go into those [male-dominated] spaces and be who she is—herself. She created this amazing Urban Abbey and has an entrepreneurial mind to create a church from the ground up,” adding “It’s a doorway to a relationship with the sacred for those would not normally connect in a traditional church.”

Visit urbanabbeyomaha.com for more information.

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CLAY IN THE CLASSROOM A+C VISUAL // STORY BY JUSTINE YOUNG

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK SEPTEMBER

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// A+C VISUAL //

alk into the center of artist Rich Chung’s studio, and suddenly you’re a giant in the middle of a stadium.

Hundreds of miniature ceramic faces, handcrafted and in multicolored hues, look out from every side of the room (including a Yoda or two sitting near a 3D printer).

Chung has been an artist his entire life. From drawings and mudsculptures crafted at his childhood home back in San Francisco to the years he spent studying studio art at University of California, Berkeley, he always knew he’d find a career somewhere in the art industry.

When he landed a job with Jun Kaneko nearly two decades ago, Chung made the move to Omaha, where he has stayed ever since. The one job he never thought he’d have? Teaching.

Mr. Rich (as his students refer to him) now works with nonprofit art programs in the Omaha area, including the Joslyn’s Kent Bellows Mentoring Program (KBMP) and WhyArts.

Through KBMP, high school students apply to work with professional artists who mentor the students as they build a portfolio of work. Chung serves as the mentor for the Clay Media Program.

WhyArts provides art classes, workshops, and programs to underserved populations throughout the metro, which includes students of all ages and various backgrounds. Chung plans and prepares a lesson for each of his classes, making sure the activity can cater to every skill level. Regardless of the lesson plan, Chung’s main goal is to keep students actively engaged.

“You’re not just teaching them how to draw a circle, you’re also trying to teach them certain life skills and attitudes,” he explains. “It’s not just how do you get the paint to come out shiny, even though that’s definitely a part of it. It’s more about how do you handle yourself when the paint doesn’t come out shiny and you’ve tried 10 times?”

When he landed a job with Jun Kaneko nearly two decades ago, Chung made the move to Omaha, where he has stayed ever since. The one job he never , thought he d have? Teaching.

For Chung, this means taking an individualized approach. Whether he’s working with preschool students or senior citizens, he aims to connect with each student and figure out how much direction they need.

Aside from clay, Chung also works with—and teaches—painting, 3D printing, drawing exercises, printmaking, crafts, and computer software (such as Stop Motion and GarageBand). Teaching gives Chung the opportunity to learn and create alongside his students.

“I see different people every week or every day, and it’s a different challenge and different age group, and I really like that.

It keeps me on my toes and is always interesting,” he says. “I realize now I’ll probably never be able to hold a job that’s 9-to-5 again.”

When Chung leaves the classroom, he transports students’ clay works back to his studio, where he fires them in his kiln and prepares them for glazing. Often, this entails long hours and many nights spent working late into the evening. For Chung, it’s always worth it. Whether he’s uploading work into the 3D printer, or inviting students over to finish a project, Chung is always looking for more ways to help his students.

“We want them to have a desire to learn,” Chung says. “That’s the main goal. It’s not what they learn, it’s that attitude of ‘I want to learn more and I want more knowledge.’”

Chung also plans to host an open-studio event in the fall, where community members can tour his workspace and view his art.

For more information on the Kent Bellows Mentoring Program, visit Joslyn.org.

For more information on WhyArts, visit whyartsinc.org.

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CHEF PROFILE //

STORY BY TIM TR

UDELL // PHOTOG

RAPHY BY BILL SIT

ZMANN // DESIGN

BY MATT WIECZO

REK

FOR I WIL L MAK E CLE AR TO HIM HOW MUC H HE WIL L BE AFFL ICTE D AND MUS T END URE AND SUF FER FOR MY NAM E’S SAK E. -ACTS 9:16

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How Intervention LY I N G O N T H E F L O O R I N A F E TA L P O S I T I O N , ROBERT WILSON THOUGHT T H I S WA S T H E F I N A L CONVERSATION OF HIS LIFE.

“I’m going to die like my mother,” Wilson said to himself. “Drunk and alone. Is that [what] I want…yes.”

A sense of calmness overtook him. Passing out, he didn’t know if he’d wake again.

Then, something happened. “It was divine intervention,” Wilson says. “It had to be the Great Spirit.”

Wilson woke his roommate and asked for help. They arranged for him to be admitted to the Campus for Hope detoxification center. After detox, he stayed at the Stephen Center, where he eventually became the head chef.

The road to sobriety took roughly 30 years and included several potholes along the way. As the child of an alcoholic mother and a drug addict father who served time in prison for drug running, Wilson says life was stacked against him. Suffering sexual abuse at the hands of two men in his South Omaha neighborhood, Wilson tried alcohol and marijuana for the first time at age 13.

He says he enjoyed self-medicating.

“The first time I tried alcohol I got fullblown drunk,” Wilson says. “It was never a social thing for me. I always drank to get drunk. Then I added drugs at an early age.”

As an adult, he worked as a dishwasher at Original Caniglia’s Italian Steakhouse. His cooking career took off one night when he stepped in to replace the pasta chef, who didn’t show up for work. He eventually worked at some of Omaha’s finest restaurants, including Indian Oven and the French Café in the Old Market. As a sous chef at the French Café, Wilson realized he could make the culinary industry a career.

But his addictions were never far away.

In 1995, Wilson’s father persuaded him to move to California. He landed a job at a Wolfgang Puck’s Kitchen in Costa Mesa.

The self-taught chef thought his future

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looked bright. Then he learned his father managed an operation delivering drugs and guns to Nebraska. “[A] whole trailer was full of weapons,” he says. “It was something out of the movies.

I’d never seen so much drugs and money in my life.”

Though the younger Wilson never sold drugs, he says he served time in prison for possession.

Following a couple of years living on the street, Wilson moved back to Nebraska.

After getting his job back at the French Café, life was good again. However, his demons kept attacking. He lost the job less than a year after his return.

Then came the night of divine intervention, and Wilson became sober at 45. An opportunity to work in the kitchen at Stephen Center proved to be just what he needed.

Today, nearly seven years after his epiphany, Wilson appreciates giving back to the place that helped save his life. While serving roughly 150 meals per daily lunch and dinner service, Wilson seeks to provide a special experience.

Working with donations from local grocers such as Hy-Vee, Trader Joe’s, Fareway, and Whole Foods, Wilson says, “Sometimes, you have to be creative with the food they send you because of the expiration date.”

But creating menus is a challenge he loves.

“I like to treat people like they’re enjoying a meal at a restaurant and not an institution,” Wilson says. “I like to do food you won’t see at other [centers].” He also likes to take “plate pictures” of the food, which he posts on Facebook.

Life is good for the 52-year-old Omaha tribal member—with a fiancée, new house, and Harley Davidsons to ride—but Wilson never forgets where he came from.

“The Stephen Center is part of me,” he says. “The new me serves the Stephen Center. I couldn’t do what I like without them.”

Visit stephencenter.org for more information.

DINING REVIEW // STORY BY NIZ PROSKOCIL // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

H EALTHY, SEASONAL, CHEF-DRIVEN DISHES WITH A FINE -DINING FLAIR

SEPTEMBER

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Cr i s p y s k i n s a l m o n w i t h r o c k s h r i m p , s we e t p o t a t o h a s h , French beans, and orange vinaigrette

SEPTEMBER 2019

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EXECUTIVE CHEF TIM JONES AND HIS TEAM DELIVER DISHES USING FRESH, SEASONAL INGREDIENTS, MUCH OF IT LOCALLY SOURCED.

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// DINING REVIEW //

ospital cafeteria food can bring to mind sad combinations of mushy vegetables, mystery meat, limp salads, and green Jell-O. At the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center’s restaurant, those bland and boring foods are replaced by beautifully plated appetizers, perfectly cooked fish, and salads bursting with fresh, local produce.

Kale salads and cheese plates aren’t typical menus items in hospital cafes, but both dishes are among the options that guests can enjoy at the Buffett Cancer Center’s 75-seat dining venue, simply called The Restaurant.

Executive chef Tim Jones and his team deliver dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients, much of it locally sourced. “We try to make as much from scratch as possible,” Jones says. The menu, which changes each season, features a handful of starters, salads, soups, and about a dozen entrees.

The prices are reasonable, and there’s a focus on fresh, healthy ingredients such as leafy greens, lean protein, nuts, and whole grains. High-fat foods such as cream are used sparingly.

The $323 million cancer center is named in recognition of a gift from Pamela Buffett, through her foundation, the Rebecca Susan Buffett Foundation. Pamela’s husband, Fred, a first cousin of Warren Buffett, died in 1997 of kidney cancer. The facility, a joint venture between the University of Nebraska Medical Center and clinical partner Nebraska Medicine, opened in 2017. It’s the largest public-private partnership in the history of the state. To fund the project, the state of Nebraska contributed $50 million, the city of Omaha $35 million, and Douglas County $5 million. The rest of the funding was privately raised.

SEPTEMBER 2019

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// DINING REVIEW //

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The cancer center doesn’t really look like a hospital, says Jones, and The Restaurant doesn’t look like a traditional hospital cafeteria. “It’s modern, eclectic, trendy,” Jones says. The open, airy dining space features soaring ceilings, bold artwork, a self-playing piano, and contemporary décor highlighting soothing colors and warm woods.

The good looks extend to the food as well.

Long spears of chilled asparagus, draped with thinly sliced serrano ham, arrive topped with shaved Pecorino Romano cheese, fava beans, and juicy grapefruit segments for brightness and acidity.

Another highlight among the starters: a cheese plate—complete with grilled brie, cheddar, blue cheese crumbles, Marcona almonds, aged balsamic, honeycomb, and microgreens.

Grilled tiger shrimp, which popped with color and flavor, was served on a bed of diced papaya, crunchy cucumber, and hearts of palm drizzled with a zesty sauce that balanced spicy, sweet, and citrus

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flavors. Salmon with crispy skin arrived beautifully seared and served with rock shrimp-sweet potato hash and French green beans. A lightly dressed kale salad studded with nuts, fruit, and cheese delivered a nice variety of texture and flavor.

Jones, whose fine dining background includes luxury hotels, is a native New Yorker who honed his skills at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. He has served as The Restaurant’s executive chef since it opened in June 2017. Soon afterward, he received a kidney transplant at Nebraska Medicine, made possible by his wife, Jennifer, who was the donor.

He’s grateful for the second chance and appreciates the work-life balance the Buffett Center allows him. Unlike most chefs, he rarely has to work nights or weekends. He also likes the creativity that cooking offers and enjoys showing others that hospital food and fine dining experiences can go hand in hand.

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With fall on the way, Jones looks forward to getting inspired by what’s in season, what’s local, and what’s fresh. New menu items may include heartier salads, braised meats, and other comfort foods that are not only delicious, but also nutritious.

Visit nebraskamed.com or @eat.at.therestaurant on Instagram for more information.

THE RESTAURANT AT THE FRED & PAMELA BUFFETT CANCER CENTER 505 S. 45TH ST. | 402.552.9860 FOOD SERVICE AMBIANCE PRICE OVERALL

$$ 5 STARS POSSIBLE

SEPTEMBER 2019

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. . . D I N I NG F E AT U R E . . .

SERVICE TA B L E G R A C E S E RV E S U P M O R E T H A N F O O D // STORY BY SARA LOCKE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

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SEPTEMBER 2019

From left, Simone and Matt Weber with their Table Grace food truck.

SEPTEMBER 2019

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. . . D I N I N G F E AT U R E . . .

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cruciferous slaw with a parmesan balsamic vinaigrette.

Green curry tofu soup. Brisket pizza. On a standard Tuesday, the fluid menu at Table Grace Café is a testament to the expert crafting behind every aspect of the establishment. The chef isn’t always sure what’s going to make the menu until the produce delivery arrives, but the staff is quick on their feet, and it’s going to be delicious.

While this level of attention to detail and the elevation of even the humblest entrée can be expected from most Omaha chefs, Table Grace’s novel approach to both sourcing and profit is what sets the exquisite food apart.

The cost of the three-course feast listed above: whatever you can afford.

On any given afternoon, powerful business owners answering emails on their lunch break dine beside the unemployed applying for jobs online. Among the Table Grace workers are seasoned veterans of Omaha restaurants, unpaid volunteers, and those who opted to pay for their meal through service.

Perishable Food Rescue. This partnership not only keeps costs low for the restaurant, but prevents food waste, which keeps food costs lower for everyone.

Ruth Richter, manager of Green Bellevue, centers her life around finding opportunities to do more for the community in small ways.

She says she enjoys frequenting Table Grace for more than the nourishing mouthful. “It’s a great place to have a date, a job interview, or a client meeting, because it gives you an opportunity to discuss values and social responsibility and pay it forward.”

to a smoky, layered Moroccan style with caraway vinaigrette, the dishes are as rich and nourishing as the Webers’ mission.

With a firm grasp on their purpose in life, the staff at Table Grace seem tireless, maintaining catering gigs and a music career in tandem with their goodwill dining efforts.

While many places advertising a noble mission come with a side of “you’ll get what you get and you won’t get upset,” the staff at Table Grace understands that everyone deserves something they enjoy eating and shouldn’t have to worry that asking about potential allergens will be read as ungrateful. That’s why the establishment not only advertises possible allergens, but also offers gluten-sensitive items for diners with food allergies. The Webers believe in respect for each soul who enters their home away from home.

“We worked a lot from two books we found really insight“The first question we HEALTHY, DELICIOUS FOOD IS FOR EVERYONE. ful—Toxic Charity ask every person who and When Helping HARD WORK IS FOR EVERYONE. walks through the door Hurts.

It’s hard for is ‘would you like to SERVICE IS FOR EVERYONE. people to hear those volunteer today?’ No words together, and matter what they’re IF SOMEONE IS WONDERING most people feel like wearing, no matter what anything they do to WHETHER THEY WOULD FIT AT TABLE GRACE, mood they’re presentvolunteer is automatiing,” owner Matt Weber THE ANSWER IS ABSOLUTELY YES. cally good,” Weber says. “This idea really explains. “It’s not only works if everyone YOU BELONG HERE. automatically, and participates. Healthy, we wanted to make delicious food is for sure the good we were everyone. Hard work doing was really that. is for everyone. Service is for everyone. If Knowing that the food is donated and resWe wanted to be a blessing, and to have a someone is wondering whether they would cued might conjure up an image of refrigpositive impact on the whole community.” fit at Table Grace, the answer is absolutely erator stew or mystery casserole. Not here. yes. You belong here.”

Instead, you’ll find from-scratch pizza crusts Table Grace isn’t a soup kitchen; it is a and slowly developed broths and stocks. gourmet kitchen with a mission. This Founded in 2008 by Matt and his wife Love—and good food—takes time, and the is an opportunity for a full belly for Simone Weber, later joined by Chef Erin staff won’t rush perfection. anyone, from the upwardly mobile Old Schultz, the establishment is based on the Market staffer to the down on their luck principle that everyone deserves delicious In addition to their pay-what-you-will Old Market dweller. This is a chance to food, dignity, and an opportunity to better policy, which makes healthy food attainable put something on a resume in both the their situation. for those who may not be able to otherwise education and employment sections, and afford it, Table Grace creates employment a chance for someone to see clearly to the “We were in Nashville attending a retreat opportunities for those who need it most. other side of a hard day. experience. I was looking for a potential The restaurant offers a 10-day training procareer shift, and we were hoping to combine gram, with hands-on experience in several And if their customers find themselves our three big passions of food, music, and aspects of the restaurant industry. From dishhungry for more than food, the Webers ministry. Simone was attending some conwashers to food prep, serving is their mission. both serve as ministers. They offer regular tinuing education courses and we were both fellowship and faith talks for those whose just hit with this moment of inspiration. The While the brick and mortar at 1611 ½ souls need nourishment as well. model is based on the structure and concept Farnam St. keeps the menu focused on soup, of SAME Café in Denver,” Weber explains. salad, and pizza, the owners saw potential for Visit tablegracecafe.com for more “It stands for So All May Eat.” more. Specifically, taking Grace on the road. information.

Mobile Grace Café, launched as a food truck The restaurant manages to keep overhead low last year, keeps the menu burger-centric, by working with donated and rescued foods with a variety of options. From a vegan and from organizations such as Saving Grace bun-less garbanzo-and-black-bean burger // 138 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

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1/2 Price Cocktails Daily 4 - 6 pm NO CASH VALUE. EXPIRES 9/30/2019 Not Valid With Happy Hour or Any Other Promotions. One Per Check.

Catering

Sunday Brunch 11 am - 2 pm Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys

. Private Party Rooms . Walk-Ins Welcome 3125 South 72 nd Street

(Easy access off I-80, take 72nd Street Exit)

402.391.2950 . Call today to make your reservation CELEBRATE OKTOBERFEST: SEPT. 13 – POLKA POLICE SEPT. 29 & OCT.11 – BARRY BOYCE

Thank You, Thank You,

Thank You

For Continually Voting For Us!

Serving Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat 3001 S. 32nd Ave / Omaha, NE 402.345.5656

636 N. 114th St. (402-498-8855) 1003 Capitol Ave. (402-763-9974) 10308 S. 23rd St. (402-292-9096) 2102 S. 67th St. (402-933-3533) 180th and Q streets (402-292-9096) 192nd and West Maple St. Highway 75 and Oak Hill Road (402-298-4166) Catch all of the action at six Omaha-area locations. DJ's Dugout features burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, appetizers, and an impressive drink menu along with HD TVs and projectors. Home to Blazin’ Pianos, Omaha’s only dueling piano concept.

—djsdugout.com

JAMS- $$

7814 Dodge St. (402-399-8300) 17070 Wright Plz, Ste. 100 (402-810-9600) 1101 Harney St. in the OldMarket (402-614-9333) Jams is an Omaha restaurant legacy, an “American Grill” that offers a melting pot of different styles and varieties.

The dishes are made with high-quality ingredients that pair well with award-winning wines or creative cocktails.

—jamseats.com

LE PEEP - $

69th & Pacific (402-933-2776) 177th and Center streets (402-934-9914) 156th Street and W. Dodge Road (402-408-1728) 120th and Blondo streets (402-991-8222) Le Peep puts a wholesome perspective on your favorite neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot. Fresh. Simple.

Elegant. Inviting. We put the emphasis on people, both patrons and staff. We focus on providing each of our guests the fresh food and friendly service that they have come to expect. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

—lepeepomaha.com

BEER • COCKTAILS • WINE • SALADS BURGERS • SAUSAGES • PRETZELS 402.502.9902 6209 MAPLE ST. • BENSON BARCHEN BEER.COM

DINING GUIDE LEGEND BEER GARDEN & BEER HALL

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+ SEPTEMBER 2019

// 139 //

SECTION // NAMES

On the shelves of your nearest grocery store!

adition r T y l i m a A F ince 1921 S Baking high quality products begins with the finest ingredients, integrated carefully with old world skills passed on from generation to generation.

// 140 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

LISA'S RADIAL CAFE - $

402-551-2176 817 N. 40th St. American. Cafe. Diner. Vegetarian-friendly. Gluten-free options. This old-school diner serves hearty portions of American comfort classics for breakfast and lunch.

Family-owned and operated. This business is a must if you’re in the area. People rave about our chicken-fried steak, stuffed French toast, coffee, and friendly staff.

Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

STELLA’S - $

402-291-6088 106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue Since 1936, we’ve been making our world-famous Stella’s hamburgers the same way. The family secrets have been handed down to each owner, ensuring that your burger is the same as the one you fell in love with the first time you tried Stella’s. And if it’s your first time, we know you’ll be back! Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Sunday.

—stellasbarandgrill.com

SMITTY GARAGE - $

Pitchpizzeria.com @pitchpizzeria

5021 Underwood Ave. Omaha, NE 402-590-2625

17808 Burke St. Omaha, NE 402-289-4096

6350 E. Thomas RD. Scottsdale, AZ 480-272-7500

402-614-4949 7610 Dodge St. Tasty burgers, ice-cold beer, fresh-cut fries, scrumptious tacos, mouth-watering appetizers and more. What else could you want? Besides the delicious food, each location also offers a full bar with an extensive craft beer list and a one-of-a-kind environment with arcade games and plenty of TV’s.

Download our new rewards app, Smitty’s Garage, in the app store to start earning free grub!

—eatatthegarage.com

ICE CREAM

TED AND WALLY’S - $

THANK YOU FOR VOTING OUR PASTA

NUMBER #1

Rockbrook Village (108th & Center) 402.391.2585 www.pastaamore.com We can accommodate parties of 30 or more, by reservation only Catering Available

DINNER HOURS // Mon-Thur: 4:30-9PM, Fri & Sat: 4:30-10PM

Like Us on Facebook

Stella’s Bar and Grill Thanks to our customers for voting us the “Best Burger in Omaha” “Serving World Famous Hamburgers since 1936” 106 Galvin Rd • Bellevue, NE • 402-291-6088 • Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm // 141 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

402-341-5827 1120 Jackson St. Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream in the Old Market. Since 1986, we’ve created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt and ice. We offer your favorites, plus unique flavors like margarita, green tea, Guinness, and French toast. Special orders available.

—tedandwallys.com

ITALIAN

LA CASA PIZZARIA - $$

402-556-6464 45th and Leavenworth streets La Casa Pizzaria has been serving Omaha its legendary Neapolitan-style pizza and pasta for 60 years. We offer dine-in, carry-out, party facilities, catering, and now pizza shipments to the 48 contiguous states. Open Tuesday-Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

—lacasapizzaria.net

LOMBARDO'S BISTRO & BAR - $$

402-884-9800 13110 Birch Drive We are a locally owned and operated neighborhood eatery with an Italian flare. We offer a full, made-from-scratch menu along with extensive wine, craft cocktail, and craft beer lists. Casual is the best way to describe the warm and friendly service you will come to enjoy when choosing us. We offer dine-in, carry-out, catering, a daily happy hour (3-6:30 p.m. and all-day Sundays), live music Tuesdays and Sundays, and half-price bottles of wine on Wine Down Wednesdays.

—lombardosomaha.com SEPTEMBER 2019

// 141 //

LO SOLE MIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO - $$

402-345-5656 3001 S. 32nd Ave. The restaurant is located in a residential neighborhood, surrounded by charming homes. Everyone is greeted with homemade bread, a bowl of fresh tomatoes and basil, a bowl of oven-roasted garlic cloves, specially seasoned olive oil, and (at night) a jug of Chianti! The menu includes a large variety of pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, and even a delicious New York steak. Traditional dishes such as lasagna, tortellini, and eggplant parmigiana are also available. Lunch offerings include panini, salads, and one of the best pizzas in town. Patio seating, full bar, and a great wine list complete the atmosphere. No reservations, except for private rooms.

—losolemio.com

E U R O P E A N A M E R I C A N C U I S I N E

PASTA AMORE - $$

One of Omaha’s Best Happy Hours!

Mon. – Fri. 3—6 PM Fri. & Sat. After 9 PM julios.com/cateringmenu 123rd & Center | 402-330-2110

402-391-2585 11027 Prairie Brook Road Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine, and capellini. Daily specials and menu items include a variety of fresh seafood and regional Italian dishes, such as linguini amore and calamari steak, penne Florentine, gnocchi, spaghetti puttanesca, and osso buco. Filet mignon is also offered for those who appreciate nationally renowned Nebraska beef. To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Be sure to leave room for homemade desserts, like the tiramisu and cannoli.

Lunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m., dinner starts at 4:30 p.m.

Reservations recommended.

—pastaamore.com

7 21 N . 13 2 N D S T R E E T O M A H A , N E 6 815 4 4 0 2 . 8 8 4 . 6 8 7 8 B R U S H I O M A H A . C O M

ELKHORN NOW OPEN! 192nd & Maple

Walking Distance to CHI Health Center Omaha & TD Ameritrade Park CLEAR BAG POLICY IS IN EFFECT

402.346.9116 | 501 N. 13th Street | theMattOmaha.com /the old mattress factory omaha

DOWNTOWN - 10th & Capitol MIRACLE HILLS - 114th & Dodge MILLARD - 180th & Q AKSARBEN VILLAGE - 67th & Center BELLEVUE - 23rd & Cornhusker PLATTSMOUTH - Hwy 75 & Oak Hill

@Matt_factory

DJSDUGOUT.COM // 142 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

PITCH - $$

402-590-2625 5021 Underwood Ave. An OpenTable's Diners' Choice for 2014 HotSpot Restaurant in America. Keeping up with the traditional way the first pizzas in Italy were made, our pizzas are cooked in a coal-fired oven. The menu also features seafood, hand-cut steak, housemade pastas, and burgers full of flavor. Our goal is to provide you with local, housemade, and imported ingredients. We offer a happy hour menu through the week. Our bar provides an array of in-house concoctions as well as your traditional libations. Our wine selection is well-thought-out and most impressive. You will enjoy Pitch. Monday 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 3-10 p.m.

—pitchpizzeria.com

ICE CREAM ● EST 1986 ●

Home -Made in Omaha

SPEZIA - $$$

402-391-2950 3125 S. 72nd St. Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you'll find a casual elegance that's perfect for business guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine, and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers' Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and woodfired grill. Open Monday-Sunday. Cocktail hour 4-6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended.

—speziarestaurant.com

MEXICAN

FERNANDO’S - $

7555 Pacific St. (402-339-8006) 380 N. 114th St. (402-330-5707) Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily.

Catering and party rooms also available. MondayThursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4-9 p.m.

—fernandosomaha.com

JULIO’S - $

Thanks for Voting Us # BREAKFAST YEARS in a Row!

11

1

NOW OPEN 69th & Pacific • 933-2776 177th & Center • 934-9914 156th & Dodge • 408-1728 120th & Blondo • 991-8222 Drive-Thru Open (Center St. Only) | Open Daily 6:30am-2:00pm Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day!

LEPEEP.COM

402-330-2110 2820 S. 123rd Court Locally owned since 1977, Julio’s prides themselves on serving the finest Tex-Mex cuisine and offering top-notch customer service. Our loyal customers are the reason we have been around for nearly 40 years. We have an extensive menu that has both classic and innovative dishes—giving everyone the opportunity to find something they love. Salivating for Southwestern fare? We have tacos, tostadas, a dozen different enchiladas, and classic fajitas. And, of course, nachos!

—julios.com

LA MESA - $$

158th Street and W. Maple Road (402-557-6130) 156th and Q streets (402-763-2555) 110th St. and W. Maple Road (402-496-1101) Fort Crook Road and Hwy 370, Bellevue (402-733-8754) 84th Street and Tara Plaza, Papillion (402-593-0983) Lake Manawa Exit, Council Bluffs (712-256-2762) Enjoy awesome enchiladas, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouth-watering margaritas, and more

at La Mesa. Come see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s No. 1 Mexican restaurant 16 years in a row.

Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

—lamesaomaha.com

MARGARITA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $

402-393-7515 4915 S. 72nd St. Margarita's is a business with more than seven years in the food world. We offer authentic Mexican food where you can enjoy a nice moment with your family.

—margaritasmenu.com

ROMEO'S MEXICAN FOOD AND PIZZA - $

90th and Blondo streets (402-391-8870) 146th Street and W. Center Road (402-330-4160) 96th and L streets (402-331-5656) Galvin and Avery roads, Bellevue (402-292-2028) 29th and Farnam streets (402-346-1110) Romeo's is your friendly, family Mexican food and pizza restaurant.We take real pride in serving our guests generous portions of the freshest, most flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients available.

Zesty seasonings and the freshest ingredients combine to ensure the ultimate in flavor. Our savory taco meat is prepared every morning at each location. Make sure to try our chimichangas; they're the best in town.

—romeosomaha.com

SPECIAL DINING

BÄRCHEN BEER GARDEN - $

402-502-9902 6209 Maple St. Located in Benson, Bärchen is a modern American beer garden and beer hall influenced by German communal drinking culture. Indoor seating for approximately 125 people and outdoor seating in our beer garden for approximately 125-150 people. The laid-back atmosphere pairs well with our 30 rotating taps, international beer list, unique sausage & sandwich menu, and locally made pretzels. We are family and dog friendly—all are welcome. Hours: Tues-Thurs 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information or to host an event, please email gm@barchenbeer.com —barchenbeer.com

BRUSHI BISTRO+BAR - $$

402-884-6878 721 N. 132nd St. Swiss-trained chef Paul Braunschweiler combines the best of Europe’s epicurean delights with an American flair. Brushi’s casual and open atmosphere combine to create a true bistro experience. Fresh ingredients highlight the menu. Happy Hours and nightly specials. Private dining available. Patio seating weather permitting.

—brushiomaha.com

CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $

402-345-1708 3578 Farnam St. Founded in 1996, we’ve grown into Beer Corner USA with the additions of The Huber Haus German Beer Hall, Max and Joe’s Belgian Beer Tavern, and Beertopia—Omaha’s Ultimate Beer Store. With more than 60 beers on tap and Omaha’s best Reuben sandwich, we are a Midtown beerlover’s destination. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Kitchen hours: Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight. Closed Sunday.

—beercornerusa.com SEPTEMBER 2019

// 143 //

FIRST WATCH - $

1222 S. 71st St. (402-932-5691) 2855 S. 168th St. (402-330-3444) 3605 N. 147th St. (402-965-3444) 304 Olson Drive., Papillion (402-965-3444) 2015 Pratt Ave., Bellevue (402-991-3448) We begin each morning at the crack of dawn, slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, baking muffins, and whipping up our French toast batter from scratch. Everything is made toorder here at First Watch. We use only the finest ingredients possible for the freshest taste around.

—firstwatch.com

GREEK ISLANDS - $

402-346-1528 3821 Center St. Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices.

We are well-known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carryout and delivery available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

—greekislandsomaha.com

WALKING DISTANCE

TO CHI HEALTH CENTER OMAHA & TD AMERITRADE PARK YOUR PRE-GAME HE AD QUARTE RS FOR LUNCH, DINNE R OR YOUR NE XT EVE NT!

J.COCO - $$$

402-884-2626 5203 Leavenworth St. The building that once housed a beloved neighborhood grocery has a new future. Built as a grocery back in 1925, it is now home to J. Coco. Our seasonal menus, rooted in tradition, showcase our natural ingredients. Local, organic, and sustainable when available. We feature craft bartending, housemade desserts, and pastas. We celebrate the traditional with a modern twist. Lunch: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dinner: Monday-Saturday 5 p.m.-close.

—jcocoomaha.com

501 N. 13TH ST • 402.346.9116 • THEMATTOMAHA.COM / theoldmattresfactoryomaha

@Matt_factory

KOREA GARDEN AUTHENTIC ASIAN CUISINE AND SUSHI - $$

402-505-4089 5352 S. 72nd St. Lunch specials served Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring signature Korean dishes like bulgogi, doenjang jjigae, and grilled mackerel. Menu includes appetizers, traditional specialties, rice, noodles, soup, and beverages.

—koreangardenomaha.com

Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben!

PARADISE BAKERY - $

17305 Davenport St. (402-934-5757) 120 Regency Parkway (402-991-3000) Paradise Bakery offers freshly prepared baked goods made from scratch every morning with the finest ingredients available. Offering a variety of meals including soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Our associates are extremely proud of the reputation Paradise has earned for providing exceptional service and producing the finest-quality products.

—paradisebakery.com

Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.

3578 Farnam St • 402-345-1708 www.beercornerusa.com Bringing Italy to Omaha Since 1919

Take a Taste of Italy Home Today!

TAJ KABOB AND CURRY - $

402-933-1445/402-238-4317 654 N. 114th St. Taj of Omaha shares its love of traditional Indian cuisine with friends and family in the Omaha area.

The owners invite you to come enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and new menu. Taj offers both lunch and dinner specials, delivery and catering services, and a free party room.

—tajofomaha.com

// 144 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

Tues-Thurs: 8:30am-8pm Friday: 8:30am-8:30pm Saturday: 7:30am-8pm Sunday: 7:30am-6pm An Omaha favorite for over 100 years (1919-2019)

402.345.3438 621 Pacific St, Omaha NE orsibakery.com

Open for Happy Hour 4-7pm Daily Dining Room Opens at 5pm Daily Private Dining Room Available all day

140 Regency Parkway Omaha, NE 68134 FlemingsSteakhouse.com/Omaha 402.393.0811

Best Greek

Family Owned Since 1983 Family Owned Since 1983 Catering ~ Party Room Available CATERING / PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE Homemade, Fresh Food ~ Always HOMEMADE, FRESH FOOD, ALWAYS. 3821 Center St. 402/346-1528

3821 Center St / 402.346.1528

GreekIslandsOmaha.com GreekIslandsOmaha.com SEPTEMBER 2019

// 145 //

VOTED #1 16 YEARS

IN A ROW

STEAKHOUSES

CASCIO'S - $$

402-345-8313 1620 S. 10th St. Cascio's is Omaha's No. 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties. We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking.

—casciossteakhouse.com

THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$

402-391-7440 2121 S. 73rd St. Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one-of-a-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done. Lunch Monday­- Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., cocktail hour 3-6 p.m., dinner nightly 5 p.m.

—droverrestaurant.com OMAHA – 158TH & MAPLE (402) 557-6130 BELLEVUE – FT. CROOK RD & 370 (402) 733-8754

OMAHA – 110TH & MAPLE (402) 496-1101 PAPILLION – 84TH & TARA PLZ (402) 593-0983

OMAHA – 156TH & Q (402) 763-2555 COUNCIL BLUFFS – LAKE MANAWA EXIT (712) 256-2762

The Original Whiskey Steak is Back!

FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE - $$$$

402-393-0811 140 Regency Parkway At Fleming’s, a steak is never just a steak. It’s the culmination of a meticulous process of selection, preparation, and service that ensures it reaches your table at its very best. We obsess over every detail so that you’ll savor every bite.

This is why we offer the finest USDA Prime beef, available both wet- and dry-aged and broiled at 1,600 degrees or iron-crusted. You can elevate your selection even more with our indulgent steak companions, including truffle-poached lobster, diablo shrimp, and lump crabmeat. Each dish is crafted from scratch by our culinary team and served by our skillful staff. Reservations recommended.

—flemingssteakhouse.com

JOHNNY'S CAFÉ - $$$

402-731-4774 4702 S. 27th St. Years of quality dining and hospitality make Johnny's Café a restaurant to remember. We serve only the finest beef the Midwest has to offer. Aged steaks and prime rib are the specialties, with homemade bread and pies to complete a meal. An excellent wine list adds to the enjoyment at one of Omaha's original restaurants. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

—johnnyscafe.com

@The Drover Restaurant & Lounge | Gift Cards Available 2121 S. 73 St. | (402) 391-7440 | DroverRestaurant.com Open Monday - Friday 11am - 2pm | Dinner nightly from 5pm // 146 //

SEPTEMBER 2019

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD ITALIAN SPECIALTIES 7 private party rooms Seating up to 400 Lots of parking

1620 S. 10th Street

402-345-8313

www.casciossteakhouse.com

OMAHA’S ORIGINAL STEAKHOUSE

• Proudly serving visitor & locals for 90 years.

• Featured on CNN.com Best Meat Cities in America • Serving hand cut steaks, aged on premise and slow roasted prime rib with pride.

www.romeosOMAHA.com

402.731.4774 johnnyscafe.com 27th & ‘L’ St., Kennedy Frwy, ‘L’ St. Exit 8 Minutes from Downtown Omaha.

Best Of Omaha 13 Years Running

WHERE WHERE GOOD GOOD FOOD FOOD AND AND GOOD GOOD SERVICE SERVICE NEVER NEVER GO GO OUT OUT OF OF STYLE. STYLE.

RAD FOOD T I E K I L U YO j u st

NEW

Order Online now Available

Download Our App TodaY

SEARCH “SMITTY’S GARAGE” IN THE APP STORE

7610 DODGE STREET

OMAHA, NE 68114

ay the w

THE BIG G ( 4 0 2 ) 6 1 4 .49 49

EATATTHEGARAGE.COM SEPTEMBER 2019

// 147 //

// EXPLORE CALNENDAR //

STAY & PLAY IN SARPY COUNTY! Nebraska Crossing Outlet Stores, Gretna

Sarpy County awaits with a wonderful mix of fun things to see and do. Check out Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, Bellevue Berry Farm, Scary Acres or Haunted Hollow for some great fall fun. Take care of back-to-school shopping at any one of our premier shopping areas. And with over 2,300 affordable rooms, free parking and no minimum night requirements, Sarpy County is the perfect place to stay during football season. Kick off your adventure today at GoSarpy.com!

BELLEVUE • GRETNA • LA VISTA • PAPILLION • SPRINGFIELD • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE • OMAHA METRO Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, Gretna

Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Farm, Bellevue

Fairfield Inn & Suites, Papillion

Holy Family Shrine, near Gretna

Scary Acres

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

LEGACY OF THE PLAINS HARVEST FESTIVAL

NEBRASK A

PLATTSMOUTH HARVEST FESTIVAL Sept. 5-8

at various locations, Plattsmouth. This four-day

annual festival—that was once a corn festival in the 1930s—presents tractor rides, carnival rides, parades, a corn hole competition, and music. 402.516.4914.

—plattsmouthharvestfestival.com

20TH ANNUAL POLISHFEST Sept. 8 at Polish Heritage Center Museum and St. Francis Community Hall, Ashton. This event will feature the

Sept. 21-22 at Legacy of the Plains Museum, Gering. For the 23rd year, the annual Harvest Festival attracts thousands of visitors for food vendors and activities such as a corn maze, livestock viewing, and more. 308.436.1989.

—legacyoftheplains.org

OGALLALA INDIAN SUMMER RENDEZVOUS

SEPT.

08

music of Barry Boyce band, educational workshops on the Polish language, and speaker Beth Gross. Traditional Polish food and music will also be available. 308.738.2260.

— polishheritagecenter.com

Sept. 19-21 at Rendezvous Square, Ogallala. Going on their 34th year,

downtown Ogallala offers a celebration of their past with bands, entertainment, dancing, and local talent. 308.289.5674.

—ogallalaindiansummerrendezvous.com

APPLEJACK FESTIVAL Sept. 20-22 various

locations, Nebraska City. To kick off the apple

in Steele City. With food and live music, and

spaces for vendors selling everything from crafts to antiques, this event attracts many. 402.729.5131.

— visitnebraska.com

harvest, this historic festival—with a turnout of 60,000 to 80,000 people—consists of apple pie, apple cider, caramel apples, and all other things apple. The weekend has over six craft fairs, a car show, live music, and has been named a USA Today Top 10 Fall Harvest Festival. 402.873.6654.

— gonebraskacity.com

RICHARDSON COUNTY FREE FAIR Sept.

HARVEST FESTIVAL Sept. 20-22 in

ANNUAL STEELE CITY FLEA MARKET AND ANTIQUE FARM MACHINERY SHOW Sept. 14-15

12-14 at Richardson County Ag Society, Humboldt. Starting off each morning with a parade, the entertainment continues all three days with activities such as carnival rides and concessions. There are also competitive events including beef, horses, photography, textiles, and creative writing. 402.245.4324.

—nebraskafairs.org

HARVEST FAIR Sept. 14-15 at Stuhr

Museum, Grand Island. This popular fall event

celebrates harvest time with live music, pumpkin activities, and harvest cookery. 308.385.5316.

—stuhrmuseum.org

LINCOLN CALLING Sept. 18-22 in downtown Lincoln. Featuring headliners Lee Fields

& The Expressions, and Soccer Mommy, this annual nonprofit music festival aims to celebrate creativity. The festival prides itself on equal representation between male and female performers, as well as representing the LGBTQ community and performers of color. Email info@lincolncalling.com — lincolncalling.com

Gothenburg. The three-day event is the

town’s 105th annual festival, full of arts and crafts as well as a large parade. 308.537.3505.

—gothenburgdelivers.com

NORFOLK OKTOBERFEST Sept. 20-21 in

downtown Norfolk. During this two-day festival, Northeast Nebraska celebrates the area’s German heritage and fall harvest with a beer garden, live music, German food, and family entertainment. Attendees can also count on a Husker tailgate, teen dance, and free rides home anywhere in Norfolk from 12:30-2 a.m. 402.371.4862.

—norfolkareachamber.com

LINCOLN ARTS FESTIVAL WEEKEND Sept.

21-22 in downtown Lincoln. Moving to downtown Lincoln for its 19th year, this festival will feature artists from across the country.

The event offers activities such as the Creative Zone, as well as live music from Lincoln’s largest music festival, Lincoln Calling. 402.434.2787.

—artscene.org

GROWN UPS’ GETAWAY AT THE PUMPKIN PATCH Sept. 21 at Bloom Where You’re

Planted Farm, Avoca. Kick off the pumpkin patch season by visiting the farm after dark to sip on beer and wine, and play games while listening to live music. 402.267.4104.

—bloompumpkinpatch.com

FALL FEST Sept. 27 at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton. This family event

celebrates the tallgrass prairie with hayrack rides, live music, and plenty of nature-oriented activities. This year’s event, “A Prairie Plant Party!” will focus on the benefits of native plants for birds and wildlife, and guests can participate in a native plant giveaway. 402.797.2301.

—springcreek.audubon.org

SEP.

28

AUTUMN ON THE BRICKS Sept. 28 at

Box Butte Avenue, Alliance. Plenty

of games and different activities—such as face painting and cornhole—line the street at this fun-filled family event. 308.762.1800.

—visitnebraska.com

WAKEFIELD BALLOONS `N’ BBQ Sept. 27-29 in Wakefield. For the 16th year, Wakefield will

host hot air pilots, a Legion steak feed, and the BBQ Bash. The event will also offer a color run, omelet feed, craft and food vendors, a classic rock and country band, and more. 402.287.2080.

—visitdixoncounty.org

SEPTEMBER 2019

// 149 //

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

PUMPK IN PATCH A ND VIN TAGE MARKETPLACE Sept. 28-Oct. 27, Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm, Avoca. The

pumpkin patch season calls for a visit to the Avoca farm. Locally grown pumpkins of all shapes and colors are for sale, and guests can find activities such as hay rides on the farm. 402.267.4104.

—bloompumpkinpatch.com

IOWA

DES MOINES RENAISSANCE FAIRE Aug.

31, Sept. 2, 7, 8, 14, 15 at The Pines, Des Moines. Having taken a hiatus from 2016-

2018, the faire is ready to entertain in 2019 with singing, dancing, and feasting. 515.965.5338.

—dsmrf.com

ARTAPALOOZA Sept. 7 at Cedar Falls

LATINO HERITAGE FESTIVAL Sept. 28-29 at

Western Gateway Park, Des Moines. This

family-oriented event educates attendees through arts, food, children’s activities, and cultural exhibits from Central and South American countries. The festival aims to teach a better understanding of Latino culture, and emphasize an appreciation for diversity. 515.279.0715.

— latinoheritagefestival.org

K ANSAS

DANCEFESTOPIA Sept. 5-8 at Emerald

City, La Cygne. These four days pair a

vendors, and the World’s Largest Spinach Salad can all be found at this event. 913.477.7131.

—lenexa.com

2019 LATINO ARTS FESTIVAL Sept, 7 at KS Avenue of Murals, Kansas City. This event provides

SEP.

07

an opportunity for local Latino artists to showcase their work to the community. The artists will display pieces that influence, inform, and celebrate Latino culture. 913.940.4136.

—latinoartsfoundationkc.com

wild dance party with outdoor activities.

This year features performers Freddy Todd, Blanke, Paz, and many more. 877.987.6487 —dancefestopia.com

WALNUT VALLEY FESTIVAL Sept. 18-22 at

KANSAS STATE FAIR Sept. 6-15 at

gather in Winfield. Hired artists appear on stage and within the campground, while most attendees bring an instrument to play. 620.221.3250.

—wvfest.com

Winfield Fairgrounds, Winfield. For five

days, more than 3,000 contestants from all 50 states—as well as several foreign countries—

Community Main Street, Cedar Falls.

Children and adults can par ticipate in hands-on art activities, and view work from over 40 participating artists. 319.277.0213.

—communitymainstreet.org

BEAVERDALE FALL FESTIVAL Sept. 19-21 in Beaver Falls, Des Moines. Originating

over 20 years ago, the first annual fall tradition began with sidewalk sales, carnival rides, music, beer tents, and a parade. The festival now includes several activities such as an arts and crafts market, talent show, and horse rides.

—fallfestival.org

42ND ANNUAL HOT AIR BALLOON DAYS Sept. 20-22 at Creston Municipal Airport, Creston. Almost 40 hot air balloons will

participate in races while guests stroll around the arts and crafts fair, flea market, and food booths. 641.782.7021.

—unioncountyiowatourism.com

Sept.

20-22

WORL D FOOD & MUSIC FE S TIVA L Sept. 20-22 in

downtown Des Moines. Named “Best Food and Beverage Program” by the International Festivals and Events A ssociation , this weekend offers international food, live music, dancing, cooking, wine and craft beers, and an exciting atmosphere. 515 .286. 4915 .

—dsmpartnership.com

Kansas State Fairgrounds, Hutchinson.

This 10-day long fair promotes Kansas culture with several attractions including animals, music, and shopping. 620.669.3600.

—kansasstatefair.com

SPINACH FESTIVAL Sept. 7 at Sar-KoPar Trails Park, Lenexa. This family-

oriented event celebrates the Spinach Capital of the World. Food, music, entertainment, art

CAMP

LEAVENWORTH Sept. 21 at Leavenworth Landing Park, Leavenworth.

Craft vendors, live entertainment, a fireworks display, and more can be found at this new festival for the City of Leavenworth. 913.758.6752.

—visitleavenworthks.com

WALNUT ANTIQUE FALL FESTIVAL Sept.

21-22 in downtown Walnut. Rain or shine,

“Iowa’s Antique City” will be hosting one of their newest annual events. Free admission will allow shoppers and dealers to enjoy a weekend of antiquing in Iowa. 712.784.3992.

—walnutiowa.org

DES MOINES OKTOBERFEST Sept. 27-28

in downtown Des Moines. This weekend has

much to offer, including a Craft Beer Village, Lederhosen Lane, and a Silent Disco Party.

Prizes will be awarded to attendees dressed in authentic German attire. 515.371.4742.

—oktoberfestdsm.com

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SEPTEMBER 2019

HOME TO THE largest public

collection of quilts in the world, it only makes sense that Lincoln’s International Quilt Museum attracts visitors from all over the globe! Located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus, the International Quilt Museum hosts exhibits yearround. Come and celebrate the cultural and artistic collections! www.lincoln.org/omahamag

SEPTEMBER 2019

// 150 //

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

CIDERFEST Sept. 28-29 and Oct. 5-6 at the Louisburg Cider Mill, Louisburg. Activities such as pony rides and donut-making can be found at this annual fall festival. Visitors can also count on live music and a ten-acre corn maze. 913.837.5202.

—louisburgcidermill.com

MISSOURI

IRISH FEST Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at Crown Center Ice Terrance, Kansas City.

This three-day event has been named one of the top Irish Festivals in the nation, and is home to over 30 bands, shops, food, and music. 816-875-4112.

—kcirishfest.com

SANTACALIGON DAYS FESTIVAL

AUG.

30

Aug. 30-Sept. 2 at Independence Square, Independence. Celebrated annually,

this festival honors the City of Independence as the starting point of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon trails during America’s westward expansion. Expect to see live entertainment, vendors, and a carnival. 816.875 . 4112 .

—santacaligon.com

GRAPE AND FALL FESTIVAL Sept. 3-7 at Nelson Hart Park, St. James. Carnival rides,

live music, a grape stomp, demolition derbies, and more are found at this event. 573.265.6649.

—visitmo.com

AHA V IS IT O M Y B D E T PRESEN

- 22 3 1 R E B SEPTEM

TED PRICES

LS AT DISCOUN

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ek.com

OmahaRestaurantWe S P O N S O RED B Y

A portion of Omaha Restaurant Week proceeds will go to the

SEPTEMBER 2019

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// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

MIDWEST TEA FESTIVAL Sept. 7-8 at Ararat Drive, Kansas City. Tea merchants, tea vendors,

and tea lovers travel across the Midwest, and the country, for a day dedicated to tea. The event includes information about tea preparation and culture, and lots of tea tastings. 816.387.7757.

—midwestteafest.com

LAURIE HILLBILLY FAIR Sept. 13-14 at 269 Fairgrounds Drive, Laurie. Crafts,

food, music, and carnival rides make for an enjoyable weekend in Laurie. 573.374.8776 —cityoflaurie.com

Estate,

Branson. This free event features live music, homemade crafts, and a sidewalk sale. 417.334.1548.

—explorebranson.com

HARVEST HOOTENANNY Sept. 20-21

at Mark Twain Cave, Hannibal.

Featuring many activities for kids and adults, the two-day event celebrates the town’s history and scenery. Arts and crafts, pumpkin painting, and tree climbing are just some of the all-age activities offered. 573.221.2477.

—visithannibal.com

Sept.

13-14

7TH ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE UNCORKED WINE FESTIVAL Sept. 14 at BinghamWaggoner

ANNUAL AUTUMN DAZE ARTS, CRAFTS, AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Sept. 19-21 in downtown

Independence.

This event is an afternoon of tasting wines from 25 Missouri wineries and spirits from a local distiller y. 1-6 p.m. Email Info@ independenceUncorked.com for more information.

—independenceuncorked.com

FALL FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CRAFTS

Sept. 27-29 at Main Street, Washington.

The historic town attracts many artists to sell their unique products. Live music and a food court also come with the event. 636.239.1743.

—visitmo.com

STATE OF THE OZARK FESTIVAL Sept. 14

BLUEGRASS BATTLES HUNGER Sept. 27-28

A variety of activities are offered at this festival, including dancing, shopping, yoga sessions, street actors, and crafts. 417.335.1371.

—explorebranson.com

Proceeds from this concert go toward supporting hunger relief efforts through Second Harvest Community Food Bank. Guests can look forward to food-truck cuisine and vendor wares. Email info@ bluegrassbattleshunger.com for more information.

—bluegrassbattleshunger.com

at Historic Downing Street, Hollister.

LEE’S SUMMIT OKTOBERFEST Sept. 27-29 in downtown Lee’s Summit. This free

festival will have all things Oktoberfest—live entertainment and activities included. Taste homebrews and chow down on brats, or take a trip to the “Rootbiergarten.” 816.524.2424.

—lsoktoberfest.com

OVERLAND PARK FALL FESTIVAL Sept.

28 at Santa Fe Commons Park, Overland Park. This community-oriented celebration features high school bands, local businesses, dance troupes, and a parade through downtown Overland Park. 913 .34 4 .8656.

—opkansas.org

Event times and details may change.

Visist omahamagazine.com for complete listings.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

at Coleman Hawkins Park, St. Joseph.

The past is waiting.

An Okoboji vacation will take you back—way back. From lovingly restored vintage cars to faithful

VACATION

replicas of bygone Arnold’s Park and downtown Spencer, the good old days are waiting for you at our Classic Car Museum. Visit vacationokoboji.com to download your FREE visitor’s guide today.

// OKO_1221_PrintAd_OmahaMag_Fall.indd 152 // SEPTEMBER 2019

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